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My cat has a blood clot. Will his back legs need to be amputated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7.297 lbs

My cat is currently at the vets with a suspected embolism, if he doesnt recover fully will he need to have his back legs amputated?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi, I am sorry to hear of Hugo's problem. i think what you are referring to is a blood clot which is making his back legs useless. Unfortunately, this is a very serious condition and cannot be surgically fixed. It is also very painful, so euthanasia is an option most people choose. Some cats can recover from this with blood thinners but are prone to it happening again. Please discuss your options with your vet, as he or she will be the best one to guide your through Hugo's diagnosis. Again, I am sorry to hear of his problem and wish you the best of luck.

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    Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

    Published on

    I'm sorry to hear about Hugo. It sounds like you are referring to an aortic thrombus or more commonly known as "saddle thrombus." Amputation is not a treatment for this as the underlying cause for this is not the function of the legs but points to more serious conditions, usually an underlying heart condition. Unfortunately, with these cases prognosis is based on certain signs on presentation (i.e. temperature, etc) and becomes more of a quality of life discussion. Together you and your veterinarian will have to see how Hugo responds to treatment and then make the best decision for both Hugo and yourself. I hope this helps a little and that Hugo makes a full recovery.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry Hugo has a suspected embolism, but he's at the best place possible. No, the back legs are not amputated if a cat doesn't fully recover from a saddle thrombus (when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the hind limbs). Unfortunately if a cat doesn't recover from it, letting them go peacefully is the recommended option. Even with treatment, the damage to the tissues, blood vessels, and nerves of the rear limbs is often too severe and irreversible for treatment to offer a return quality of life and euthanasia is usually recommended in this case. It's very serious when this occurs, and the prognosis is poor. I know this is not something you want to hear, and I'm sorry this is happening to you and Hugo :-(

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