SH CROFT VETERINARY SURGERY

BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEMS IN CATS.

         In the last few years, it has become apparent that older cats can develop problems with high blood pressure.

This can be secondary to other diseases (typically thyrotoxicosis, kidney disease or diabetes) or can occur as a primary problem ("idiopathic"). The most common manifestation of high blood pressure in cats is damage to the retinas in the back of the eye. Unfortunately, this is not always apparent until the problem is severe and the retinas become detached and the cat will become acutely blind.

Blindness is not usually well tolerated in cats. By the time the retinas have become detached it is frequently too late to restore their sight so it is important to try to anticipate the problem so it can be treated before retinal dettachment occurs. The most reliable way to do this is to monitor blood pressure in older cats. The latest generation of blood pressure monitors can now reliably measure blood pressure in cats and we would advise that this be done every 6 months in cats over 8 years of age. If you wish to have your cat's blood pressure checked, please ring the surgery for an appointment (available only at the main Hardwick Surgery).

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