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 no signs at all. In cats that do show signs, the most common one is eye abnormalities:
Enlarged pupils
Blood in the eye
Sudden blindness
Other signs 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.
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