Defaecation syncope and pulmonary thromboembolism in a cat

A 7-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred for worsenin g gastrointestinal and haematologic abnormalities. Physical status deterior ated further despite intravenous crystalloids, blood transfusion and nutrit ional support. Cardiorespiratory signs developed and the cat died suddenly while straining to defaecate. Diffuse thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism , metastatic pancreatic carcinoma and histologic evidence of cardiomyopathy were present at necropsy. This is the first reported case of feline pulmon ary thromboembolism associated with defaecation syncope. Predisposing facto rs for thrombotic disease in this case and aspects of human defaecation syn cope are discussed. The risk of clot dislodgement by the Valsalva manoeuvre in patients with a thrombotic tendency is highlighted.