Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is most common in older, obese cats.
This disease can cause injury to the brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys.
CAUSES:
Some cases of hypertension are idiopathic (there is no known cause). This is called Primary Hypertension. Some known causes include:
- Stress
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease: with age, scar tissue grows on the kidneys; the kidneys shrink, and it becomes harder for blood to get through
- Hyperthyroidism: increase of hormones and the metabolism, which causes the heart to pump faster
Other causes may include:
- Diseases of the endocrine system (like Cushing’s disease)
- Drugs
- Disorders of the central nervous system
SIGNS:
Many cats with hypertension have nosigns at all. In cats that do show signs, the most common one is eye abnormalities:
- Enlarged pupils
- Blood in the eye
- Sudden blindness
Othersigns include:
- Strokes
- Lack of energy
- Blood clots
- Rapid heart rate
If the underlying cause is kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, there will be additional signs:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and weight loss
- Dull, un-groomed hair
DIAGNOSIS:
To properly diagnose your cat with hypertension, your veterinarian may perform the following:
- Physical examination: eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys
- Doppler flow detector: repeated measurement of blood pressure
- Blood tests: to check for underlying causes
- X-rays and ultrasounds: to check underlying causes
TREATMENT:
Most veterinarians will recommend the following treatments for cats with hypertension:
- Medication to lower blood pressure
- Treatment of the underlying disease
- Reduction of weight and sodium
PREVENTION:
If your cat is older, or has kidney or thyroid problems, you should have your veterinarian regularly test its blood pressure.
PROGNOSIS:
Hyperthyroidism is usually curable, but the prognosis depends on the severity of the underlying cause.
If the cat became blind, it may regain its vision if caught early enough.