JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

True or False: Saddle Thrombus is an easily treatable condition in cats.

1. True

2. False

3. Only with surgery

4. Only for specific breeds

The correct answer is: False

Saddle Thrombus is a serious and often life-threatening condition in cats that occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the aorta, typically at the junction where blood vessels branch to the rear legs. This condition leads to a sudden loss of blood flow to the hind limbs, resulting in severe pain, paralysis, and even tissue death. Treating Saddle Thrombus is complex and not easily accomplished. While some steps can be taken to manage the condition—such as administering medications to dissolve the clot or improve blood flow—these treatments are not guaranteed to be effective. In many cases, especially if there is severe limb damage or if the condition is not recognized and addressed promptly, the prognosis remains poor. Surgery is a potential option, but it is not universally available or suitable for all cats affected by this condition. Furthermore, there are no specific breeds that are easily treatable, as the condition can affect any cat. Thus, the statement that Saddle Thrombus is an easily treatable condition is false.