Hypertension in Felines
- Deborah Newman
- Oct 20, 2024
- 2 min read
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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