Saddle (Aortic-Iliac) Thrombus in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

A thrombus is a clot in the cardiovascular systems formed from the constituents of blood. It may occlude the vessel or attach to the vessel without obstructing the lumen. In horses a saddle thrombus refers to a clot that completely or partially occludes the blood vessels that feed the rear legs resulting in pain, lameness, and weakness that may lead to complete paralysis. Reports of the prevalence of this condition are conflicting. One early report states that aortic-iliac thrombosis occurs in 1–2% of racing Thoroughbreds in South Africa. In a recent survey of 28 experienced equine veterinarians from all over the world only 44 cases had been recognized and subsequently confirmed ultrasound (1997). This article is about the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this disease.

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