Hypertension in cats
Hypertensive retinopathy is a serious vision threatening condition seen mainly in older cats. It is often associated with an underlying disease process. The normal pressure in a cat should be around 120/80 mmHg. When the blood pressure is very high the retina (nerve tissue at the back of the eye) can detach resulting in vision loss.
The ideal method of assessing blood pressure is in a quiet room allowing some time for relaxation. The technique is similar to when you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor however the cuff may be placed on the front leg or the tail.
Diseases that have been associated with hypertension include:
Other organs that maybe affected by high blood pressure include the kidneys, heart and the brain.
Most cats respond very well to anti-hypertensive medication. We recommend re-examining all cats diagnosed with hypertension 7-14 days after the start of treatment. In addition all cats with hypertension should have a full blood profile, thyroid measurement and heart evaluation. Please consult your local veterinarian for these tests. Sodium restricted diets are NOT recommended for cats with hypertension. Again, please discuss this with your local veterinarian.
Prognosis for Vision
The prognosis for vision depends upon how severe the retinal changes are, the amount of bleeding behind the eye and the extent of retinal disease. Long-term medication will be required and this is a disease syndrome that is controlled rather than cured.
If you have any questions regarding your cat please feel free to contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Hypertensive retinopathy is a serious vision threatening condition seen mainly in older cats. It is often associated with an underlying disease process. The normal pressure in a cat should be around 120/80 mmHg. When the blood pressure is very high the retina (nerve tissue at the back of the eye) can detach resulting in vision loss.
The ideal method of assessing blood pressure is in a quiet room allowing some time for relaxation. The technique is similar to when you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor however the cuff may be placed on the front leg or the tail.
Diseases that have been associated with hypertension include:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heart disease
- Sudden vision loss
- Uneven pupils
- Dilated pupils
- Bleeding in the eye
Other organs that maybe affected by high blood pressure include the kidneys, heart and the brain.
Most cats respond very well to anti-hypertensive medication. We recommend re-examining all cats diagnosed with hypertension 7-14 days after the start of treatment. In addition all cats with hypertension should have a full blood profile, thyroid measurement and heart evaluation. Please consult your local veterinarian for these tests. Sodium restricted diets are NOT recommended for cats with hypertension. Again, please discuss this with your local veterinarian.
Prognosis for Vision
The prognosis for vision depends upon how severe the retinal changes are, the amount of bleeding behind the eye and the extent of retinal disease. Long-term medication will be required and this is a disease syndrome that is controlled rather than cured.
If you have any questions regarding your cat please feel free to contact us on 03 9545 0103.
