Thrombosis Of The Vena Cava

It is generally a rare condition and important to recognize it as it is usually caused by a much more
common condition, a liver abscess. Thus for every animal with thrombosis of the vena cava, there will be
many more with significant liver damage due to abscesses.

Cause

Most cases of thrombosis occur as a result of an abscess forming in the liver. The infection spreads from
the liver to cause a localized infection in the vein that passes near the liver, the vena cava. The localized
infection can then result in the development of a solid mass (a thrombus) in the vena cava.

The thrombus is made up of made up of clotted blood, dead white blood cells, bacteria and other cells.
Once formed, these thrombi can detach from the lining of the vena cava (they are then called emboli)
and are carried in the bloodstream through to smaller blood vessels, where they become stuck. The
most common site is in the lungs. Emboli in the lungs result in chronic pneumonia and the development
of multiple lung abscesses.

Symptoms

Respiratory distress

Chronic coughing

Weight loss

Pale mucous membranes

Treatment

Prognosis is poor, and as such cases are fatal. If treatment is attempted it includes antibiotics and
supportive therapy.

Prevention

Control efforts include the reduction of the incidence of ruminal acidosis. If abscesses are found they
should be treated immediately to minimize the risk of spread.