Mission
Animal Hosptal and Hypertension in Cats
Affordable Animal CLinic Granada HIlls INC
Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143
Our Veterinarians are waiting to help you
SIGNS
OF THE CONDITION. Blood
pressure is not as easy to measure in cats as in people.
For that reason, most cases are not recognized early.
The most common clinical sign on presentation is SUDDEN BLINDNESS.
High blood pressure causes the retina to detach.
The clinical sign most often seen is widely
dilated pupils that do not constrict when
exposed
to bright light.
CAUSES
OF THE CONDITION. Heart
disease and kidney failure are the major causes of hypertension in cats.
Both causes are a result of aging. As
the cat gets older, the kidneys begin to wear out making it harder for the blood
to filter through. This causes a
backup of blood into the arteries and an increase in blood pressure.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition resulting in a thickening of the heart
muscle making it pump blood harder thereby raising blood pressure.
HYPERTHYROIDISM is a condition frequently seen in older
cats, which can also cause hypertension.
Blood pressure checks are important in all cats with
heart disease, kidney failure, and hyperthyroidism.
TREATMENT
is available if the condition is caught early enough. Once the retina has
been detached for 24-48 hours, blindness is permanent.
For long-term success in treating
this condition, it is important to determine and treat
the underlying cause as well as the hypertension itself.
16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 818-363-8143
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