Tonometry is a blood pressure measurement.
Arterial pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. At the time of heart contraction (systoles) The pressure in the blood vessels is called systolic. At the moment of relaxation of the heart (diastole) - diastolic.
Blood pressure depends on cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance and heart rate. Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg. Art. Blood pressure values are written as a fraction, with the first value being systolic pressure and the second being diastolic.
There are several ways to measure blood pressure in animals. These include: straight(invasive) measurement method, ultrasonic and oscillometric methods. In my practice we use the oscillometric method.
A cuff is put on a dog or cat on a paw or tail, which is connected to the electronic unit and the blower bulb. After the cuff is inflated and then deflated, the measurement results appear on the screen. This method is based on the fact that the vibration that is created in the cuff by contractions of the heart is transmitted to the device and displayed as numerical values on the screen. The method is quite accurate and absolutely safe.
The only downside is the animal must be calm, which is sometimes difficult in a clinic, as dogs and cats, like people, are afraid of doctors.
If an animal very worried, you can get obviously overestimated values of blood pressure. Therefore, the measurement is recommended to be carried out several times.
An increase in blood pressure is not only in diseases of the heart in animals, but also with kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism(increased thyroid function).
Lowering blood pressure may be a consequence tobleeding, diarrhea, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure. Therefore, the measurement of blood pressure is carried out in animals not only when a heart muscle disease is suspected, but also in many other pathologies, since both a decrease and an increase in blood pressure can lead to adverse consequences and require drug treatment.
In our veterinary center you can always measure your pet's blood pressure, as well as undergo a complete cardiac examination including examination by a cardiologist, echocardiography and ECG.
Sincerely, Chief Veterinarian of the Univet-Dubrovka Exhibition Center
Gromova Victoria Lvovna
The authors): A.V. Girshov, veterinarian, S.A. Luzhetsky, veterinarian
Organization(s):"Clinic of Neurology, Traumatology and Intensive Care of Dr. Sotnikov V.V.", St. Petersburg
Magazine:
№5-6 - 2013
annotation
Feline systemic arterial hypertension as a systemic circulatory pathology is often recorded in older cats (over 14 years of age). It has been established that this pathology is often associated with chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism. At the same time, the possibility of developing an idiopathic genesis of an increase in peripheral vascular resistance and developing endothelial dysfunction is not ruled out.
The clinical picture of systemic arterial hypertension is usually caused by damage to the vessels of target organs (brain, heart, kidneys, eyes) with the development of serious neurological, ophthalmological, cardiological and nephrological disorders in an uncontrolled course.
Specific antihypertensive drugs can significantly improve target organ function and long-term prognosis in these cats. The main goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the microvasculature of the target organs. The range of possible antihypertensive drugs is quite diverse and includes a large number of drugs from different pharmacological groups. To date, the drugs of choice in the treatment of arterial hypertension in cats are ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers from the dihydropyridine group (amlodipine). The use of combined antihypertensive therapy with the inclusion of an ACE inhibitor and amlodipine seems to be highly effective, in which the maximum angioprotection for target organs is achieved.
Feline systemic hypertension is systemic circulatory pathology, which is often recorded in older cats (over 14 years). This pathology is often associated with chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism. But there is also the possibility of the development of idiopathic increasing of peripheral vascular resistance and developing endothelial dysfunction. Clinical manifestation of systemic arterial hypertension is usually caused by vascular lesions of target organs (brain, heart, kidneys and eyes). This lesions lead to the serious uncontrolled neurological, ophthalmological, cardiac and nephrology problems. Specific antihypertensive drugs can significantly improve a vital function of the target organs and the long-term prognosis for these cats . There is a great range of possible antihypertensive drugs from different pharmacological groups. Today the main drugs to the treatment of feline hypertension are considered ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers from the dihydropyridine group (amlodipine). Use of combination antihypertensive therapy with ACE inhibitors and amlodipine is also very effective for the maximum angioprotection of the target organs.
Systemic hypertension (an abnormal increase in systemic blood pressure) as a circulatory pathology is often recorded in older cats. A high incidence of systemic hypertension is noted in cats with chronic renal failure (61%) and hyperthyroidism (87%) (Kobayashi et al, 1990). But at the same time, hypertension occurs in cats and in the absence of renal failure and euthyroidism (normal thyroid status). Because untreated cats with hypertension can lead to serious neurological, ophthalmic, cardiac, and nephrological disorders, treatment of these patients is strongly recommended. In addition, specific antihypertensive drugs can significantly affect end-organ vital function and long-term prognosis.
Systemic hypertension (SH) is usually presented as a complication of another systemic pathology and is therefore classified as secondary hypertension. However, in certain cases, when the cause of SH is not established in the process of a full examination, they speak of primary or idiopathic hypertension.
Epidemiology
Hypertension is more common in older cats, with a median age of 15 years ranging from 5 to 20 years ( Littman, 1994, Steele et al, 2002). It is not clear to what extent an increase in blood pressure with age can be a normal phenomenon in healthy older cats, or whether it should be regarded as an early subclinical stage in the development of the pathological process. Breed and sex predisposition to hypertension in cats has not been identified.
Pathophysiology
Although systemic hypertension is often found in cats with chronic kidney dysfunction, the link between elevated blood pressure and kidney damage as an underlying cause is not clear. Vascular and parenchymal diseases of the kidneys in humans are proven causes of hyperreninemic hypertension. At the same time, an increase in the volume of extracellular fluid is one of the mechanisms for the development of hypertension in patients in the late stages of kidney disease ( Pastan & Mitch, 1998). There is evidence that cats with naturally occurring hypertension and renal insufficiency do not show an increase in plasma renin levels and activity and an increase in plasma volume ( Hogan et al, 1999; Henik et al, 1996). This suggests that some cats have primary (essential) hypertension and kidney damage is secondary to chronic glomerular hypertension and hyperfiltration.
Similarly, the relationship between hyperthyroidism and hypertension in cats is not well defined, even though the prevalence of hypertension in cats with thyrotoxicosis is high. Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in the number and sensitivity of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors and, as a result, an increase in sensitivity to catecholamines. In addition, L-thyroxine has a direct positive inotropic effect. Consequently, hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in heart rate, an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output, and, as a result, an increase in arterial blood pressure. However, no significant relationship has been found between serum thyroxine concentration and arterial blood pressure in cats ( Bodey & Sansom, 1998). In addition, in some cats, with proper and effective treatment of hyperthyroid status, arterial hypertension may persist. Thus, it is assumed that in a subset of cats with hyperthyroidism, hypertension is independent of hyperthyroid status. Other unlikely causes of hypertension in cats include hyperadrenocorticism, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, and anemia.
The fact that hypertension in cats can occur in the absence of kidney or thyroid disease suggests that in some cases, as in humans, systemic hypertension in cats can be considered a primary idiopathic process involving increased peripheral vascular resistance and endothelial dysfunction.
Clinical signs
Clinical signs are usually derived from target organ damage (brain, heart, kidneys, eyes). As blood pressure rises, autoregulatory vasoconstriction of arterioles occurs to protect the capillary bed of these highly vascularized organs from high pressure. Severe and prolonged vasoconstriction can eventually lead to ischemia, infarction, loss of capillary endothelial integrity with edema or hemorrhage. Hypertensive cats may present with symptoms such as blindness, polyuria/polydipsia, neurological signs including seizures, ataxia, nystagmus, hindlimb paresis or paralysis, dyspnea, epistaxis ( Littman, 1994). Rarer possible signs include "stopped eyes", vocalization ( Stewart, 1998). Many cats are asymptomatic and hypertension is diagnosed after murmurs, galloping, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities. In cats, systemic hypertension is often associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Usually this is moderate hypertrophy and asymmetric septal hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Dilatation of the ascending aorta is detected radiographically or echocardiographically, but it is not clear whether this finding is due to hypertension or is a normal age-related change. Cats with systemic hypertension often have left ventricular diastolic dysfunction due to decreased wall relaxation.
The wide variability of electrocardiographic changes includes ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, expansion of the atrial or ventricular complex, and conduction disturbances. Tachyarrhythmias with proper treatment of hypertension are resolved.
Acute blindness is a common clinical manifestation of systemic hypertension in cats. Usually blindness occurs due to bilateral retinal detachment and/or hemorrhage. In one study, 80% of hypertensive cats had hypertensive retinopathy with retinal, vitreous, or anterior chamber hemorrhage, retinal detachment and atrophy, retinal edema, perivasculitis, retinal arterial tortuosity, and/or glaucoma ( Stiles et al, 1994). Retinal lesions usually regress with antihypertensive therapy and vision returns. Retinal detachment is a common cause of blindness in older cats and, much less frequently, dogs.
The cause of retinal detachment, in this case, is high blood pressure. Increased pressure changes the walls of the capillaries of the choroid and, over time, increases their permeability.
Clinical signs of retinal detachment are: dilated pupil, pupils of different sizes, impaired pupillary reactions, impaired chromatic pupillary reactions, intraocular hemorrhage, visual impairment. Retinal detachment is confirmed by ophthalmoscopy. In case of violation of the transparency of the light-conducting media, ultrasound of the eyeball can be used. Both of these methods allow simple and painless examination of the retina.
The stage of the disease depends on the change in the fundus picture. The assessment takes into account the condition of the optic nerve head, the presence of foci of retinal detachment, the condition of the retinal vessels, the presence of areas with signs of hemorrhage, the presence of hyperreflective areas.
Often, changes in the fundus are the first signs of a systemic disease. The animal may look healthy, have no problems with orientation in space, and at this time, early changes are already taking place in the fundus, which can be detected during ophthalmoscopy. Detection of early changes in the fundus allows the main diagnosis to be made in time and complications such as retinal detachment to be avoided.
The central nervous system is prone to damage from hypertension because it is replete with small vessels. In cats, these injuries can cause convulsions, head tilt, depression, paresis and paralysis, and vocalization.
Chronic hypertension can cause kidney damage as a result of changes in afferent arterioles. Focal and diffuse glomerular proliferation and glomerular sclerosis may also develop. (Kashgarian, 1990). After renal impairment, chronic systemic hypertension causes a sustained increase in glomerular filtration pressure, which plays a key role in the progression of deterioration in renal function. (Anderson & Brenner, 1987; Bidani et al, 1987). Proteinuria and hypostenuria are not common in hypertensive cats, but microalbuminuria is present. (Mathur et al, 2002).
Diagnosis of hypertension
The suspicion of hypertension in a cat may be based on the presence of characteristic retinal lesions. However, other causes of retinal detachment and/or hemorrhage cannot be ruled out. Arterial hypertension must certainly be confirmed by measuring blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements should be performed to confirm or refute the presence of hypertension in cats with left ventricular hypertrophy, renal dysfunction, or hyperthyroidism, and in cats older than 7 years of age with murmurs, gallop rhythm. In addition, blood pressure measurements should be performed in cats with the above signs of brain damage.
Hypertension in cats was defined as an indirect systolic pressure greater than 160 mm Hg. (Littman, 1994; Stiles et al., 1994) or 170 mmHg Art. (Morgan, 1986) and diastolic blood pressure over 100 mm Hg. Art. (Littman, 1994; Stiles et al., 1994). However, blood pressure will increase with age in cats and may exceed 180 mmHg. systolic and 120 mm Hg. diastolic pressure in apparently healthy cats older than 14 years. (Bodey and Sansom, 1998). Thus, a diagnosis of hypertension can be made in a cat of any age whose systolic blood pressure is > 190 mmHg. rt. Art. and diastolic pressure > 120 mm. rt. Art. Cats with a clinical picture of the corresponding arterial hypertension and systolic pressure from 160 to 190 mm. rt. Art. also should be considered patients with arterial hypertension, especially if they are less than 14 years old. In the absence of clinical signs of hypertension and systolic blood pressure from 160 to 190 mm Hg. Art. and diastolic pressure between 100 and 120 mm Hg. Art., repeated measurements are necessary several times during the day or possibly several days.
Therapeutic strategy
Early diagnosis and treatment of cats with systemic arterial hypertension is important. Although not all cats show clinical signs, failure to promptly diagnose and treat can lead to extremely undesirable consequences. Drawing an analogy with arterial hypertension in humans, we can borrow the term "silent killer".
The main goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. This is achieved not only by lowering blood pressure, but also by improving blood circulation in target organs.
Numerous pharmacological agents are available as antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel antagonists, direct-acting arterial vasodilators, centrally acting α2-agonists, and α1-blockers.
Hypertensive cats tend to become refractorier to the antihypertensive effects of blockers such as prazosin as well as direct acting arterial vasodilators such as hydralazine. In addition, long-term use of direct-acting drugs often leads to undesirable stimulation of compensatory neurohumoral mechanisms. Diuretics, β-blockers, or a combination will effectively lower blood pressure in most hypertensive cats but will not reduce target organ damage (Houston, 1992).
In accordance with Poiseuille's law, blood pressure is determined by the product of systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output, and therefore, the decrease in blood pressure as a result of the use of diuretics and β-blockers occurs as a result of a decrease in cardiac output. These drugs lower blood pressure by a mechanism that reduces flow to target organs, thereby compromising myocardial, renal, and brain perfusion. At the same time, calcium channel antagonists, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers reduce blood pressure by reducing vascular resistance. This mechanism is more efficient for improving target organ perfusion. Calcium channel antagonists, in particular, lack myocardiodepressant effects, and ACE inhibitors have shown beneficial effects on renal function, coronary perfusion, and cerebral perfusion in people with hypertension. (Houston, 1992; Anderson et al, 1986), centrally acting α-adrenergic agonists reduce blood pressure by reducing vascular resistance and have also been shown to maintain target organ function. Diuretics and β-blockers reduce cardiac output, stroke volume, coronary and renal blood flow, increasing renal vascular resistance. In addition, these drugs do not reduce left ventricular hypertrophy. On the other hand, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and centrally acting drugs have the opposite effect.
Amlodipine is a long-acting antihypertensive drug belonging to the calcium channel blockers. This drug relaxes vascular smooth muscle by blocking the influx of calcium. Its main vasodilating effect is a systemic decrease in vascular resistance. In addition, this action extends to the coronary arteries. This drug is safe and effective even in cats with kidney dysfunction when used orally at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg once daily. When taken daily, amlodipine lowers blood pressure within 24 hours (Snyder, 1998). In addition, cats do not develop refractoriness to amlodipine and have a persistent therapeutic effect with long-term therapy.
ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, ramipril, and benazepril are also good options for treating hypertension in cats. However, these drugs are often ineffective as monotherapy in cats. ACE inhibitors may be best used in combination with amlodipine.
In cats resistant to amlodipine or ACE inhibitors, only the combination of these drugs can safely provide adequate blood pressure control. When adding ACE inhibitors (enalapril or benazepril) to amlodipine therapy, doses of 1.25 to 2.5 mg/cat/day are used). Also, in some cats receiving this combination of drugs, there is an improvement in kidney function. Experimental data show that the combination of these two classes of antihypertensive drugs not only increases the effectiveness of lowering blood pressure, but also maximizes the protection of target organs. (Raij & Hayakawa, 1999). The angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan in combination with amlodipine has been shown to be effective in some cats refractory to ACE inhibitors.
For cats with neurological disorders due to brain damage, aggressive treatment is needed to quickly lower blood pressure. Amlodipine and ACE inhibitors have a relatively slow hypotensive effect and require 2-3 days to reach the peak of the hypotensive effect. In such clinical situations, intravenous administration of sodium nitroprussid (Natrium nitroprussid) will be more effective for the rapid relief of a hypertensive crisis. However, safe use of this drug requires careful dose titration using an infusion pump (1.5-5 mg/kg/min) and continuous blood pressure monitoring. Hydralazine may be used as an alternative to sodium nitroprusside when rapid blood pressure reduction is not required. This drug is usually given orally every twelve hours, starting at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and increasing if needed up to 2.0 mg/kg every 12 hours. Caution is advised when using fast-acting, potent antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of hypertensive crises. A rapid and abrupt drop in blood pressure can lead to acute cerebral ischemia and thus worsen the neurological deficit.
Target Organs in Hypertension
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hypertension(hypertension) is the medical term for high blood pressure. This disease is quite common in older cats.
Feline hypertension usually develops as a result of other medical problems (so-called 'secondary hypertension'), although primary hypertension (hypertension without other, 'underlying' diseases) can also occur in cats. Unlike humans, who are more likely to have primary hypertension (also known as 'essential hypertension'), secondary hypertension is more common in cats. Most cases of secondary hypertension in cats are caused by chronic kidney disease, but other diseases can also lead to its development. An association has also been established between hypertension and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) in cats.
Hypertension is dangerous for the entire body of a cat. The following organs are the most vulnerable:
Eyes. Bleeding in the eye and retinal disorders such as swelling and detachment are possible. As a result of these disorders, the cat's vision can suffer, and even blindness, often irreversible, can develop. In some cases, hemorrhages in the anterior chamber of the eye can be seen without the use of special equipment.
Brain and nervous system. Bleeding in these areas of the cat's body can be caused by neurological signs such as odd behavior, wobbly or drunken gait, seizures, dementia, and coma.
Heart. Gradually, the muscles in one of the heart's main chambers (the left ventricle) thicken as it becomes harder for the heart to perform its "pumping" tasks when pumping blood at elevated pressure. In very severe cases, this can lead to the development of chronic heart failure. The cat may experience shortness of breath and lethargy.
Kidneys. Over time, high blood pressure increases the risk of developing kidney problems. In cats with kidney problems, hypertension can significantly complicate the disease over time.
Diagnosis of hypertension in cats.
Because hypertension is often the result of other conditions, cats may show symptoms of the underlying disease. For example, in hyperthyroid cats with high blood pressure, the main clinical signs may be weight loss (despite excellent appetite) and hyperactivity.
Many cats may not show any specific signs of hypertension at all until the disease reaches a stage where eye hemorrhages or retinal detachments begin - such cats are often brought to the veterinarian for sudden blindness. Therefore, early detection of hypertension is very important to alleviate the disease and reduce the risk to the eyes and other organs of the cat's body.
Some cats suffering from hypertension appear depressed, lethargic, and withdrawn, even if there are no signs of damage to other organs. Many owners report a return to their cat's normal behavior after starting treatment for hypertension. It appears that when severely hypertensive, cats, like humans, can suffer from headaches.
To detect hypertension early, regular blood pressure measurements are recommended in cats older than 7 years of age, as hypertension is more common in older cats. Initially, this can be done once a year, but as the cat gets older, blood pressure should be checked at least twice a year, and blood pressure should be checked at every visit to the veterinarian.
Constant monitoring of pressure should be carried out for cats suffering from kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, sudden blindness, as well as cats with other visual impairments and neurological disorders, in order to prevent the development of hypertension in time.
To measure blood pressure in cats, many clinics have the appropriate equipment. Often such devices are similar to those used by humans, with an inflatable cuff worn over a cat's paw or tail. The process of measuring pressure takes a couple of minutes, does not cause pain and is easily tolerated by most cats.
A detailed eye examination is also important in diagnosing hypertension in cats. In the initial stage of the disease, small changes in the blood vessels of the fundus and retina can be detected. In more severe cases, changes can be significant, including retinal detachment and bleeding in the eye. Typically, abnormalities are seen in both eyes of a cat, but (rarely) may be found in only one.
In the absence of blood pressure devices, it is possible to diagnose hypertension during eye examination, especially considering the dynamics of changes after the start of treatment. However, with the help of special devices for measuring pressure in cats, diagnosis and monitoring of the results of therapy is much more efficient.
Treatment of hypertension in cats.
Once hypertension is confirmed, cats are treated in two ways:
The first is treatment aimed at lowering blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs. Many drugs are now available, usually based on amlodipine and benazepril.
The second is to identify and treat the underlying disease, such as kidney disease, that causes hypertension. In some cases (for example, with hyperthyroidism), the treatment of the underlying disease can also solve the problem of high blood pressure. Urine and blood tests are usually done to identify the underlying disease.
It is also important to assess which complications of hypertension are present in the cat (eg eye disease) in order to properly manage them during therapy. Cats are characterized by very wide variability in response to antihypertensive drugs, in addition, pressure stabilization can occur at different times. It may be necessary to change medications, change the dose and / or frequency of administration, the use of more than one drug.
Response to therapy is best monitored by regular blood pressure measurements and eye examinations. In cats with kidney disease, it is important to constantly monitor kidney function during treatment.
Prognosis for treatment of hypertension in cats.
Cats with primary hypertension (without underlying disease causing the high blood pressure) are usually able to control the disease and prevent complications, such as those that are dangerous to the eyes.
In the case of secondary hypertension, the long-term prognosis directly depends on the nature and severity of the disease causing the increase in pressure. In all cases, it is important to monitor blood pressure carefully and on a regular basis to avoid complications.
Cats, like humans, suffer from hypertension quite often. The owner, seeing that his pet is not feeling well, may not suspect that he has high blood pressure. But this may indicate that the animal is seriously ill and needs urgent treatment. From this article you will learn what is the norm of pressure in a cat and how to measure it for your pet.
Hypertension is a persistent increase in blood pressure, leading to functional changes in the heart, organs of the central nervous system and kidneys. The physiology of animals is such that their cardiovascular system usually reacts with a rise in pressure to stressful situations or significant stress on the heart. But if, after a short rise, the indicator does not return to normal, but decreases only under the influence of antihypertensive drugs, they speak of the presence of a pathology.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury and consists of two numbers:
- the first digit (systolic) - indicates the amount of blood pressure on the walls of blood vessels at the time of maximum contraction of the heart muscle;
- the second digit (diastolic) - indicates the force of the pressure of the blood flow on the walls of the vessels at the moment of maximum relaxation of the heart muscle.
The magnitude of blood pressure in the arteries depends on the frequency and strength of heart contractions, the tone of the vascular walls, and the volume of heart contractions.
Classification of types of hypertension
Depending on the causes, there are essential (primary) and symptomatic (secondary) hypertension. Primary hypertension develops as an independent disease. It is more common in older animals. In this case, the cause of pressure in cats is a worn out heart and weak vascular tone. The disease can also be hereditary.
Secondary hypertension, according to the definition, develops against the background of any underlying pathology. Most often, these are diseases of the organs involved in the regulation of blood pressure (kidneys, adrenal glands, heart, thyroid gland, and others). Secondary hypertension is more difficult to diagnose and treat.
Blood pressure measurement
In order to measure blood pressure in a pet, the clinic usually has a special feline tonometer, and at home an ordinary human device is suitable.
Measurement of blood pressure can be done by direct or indirect methods. The direct or invasive method is the most accurate. This is the so-called method of "peripheral artery catheterization". To measure the pressure, the animal is sedated, after which an arterial catheter is inserted into the artery, which is connected to a monitoring system. The method is called the "gold standard", but is rarely used because of its complexity.
Much more often used indirect methods, there are several of them:
- Oscillographic (measurement is performed using an arterial oscilloscope);
- Dopplerography (use a device that works on the principle of Doppler);
- Photoplethysmographic (use the measurement of the attenuation of infrared radiation).
All these methods have a similar principle of operation. A special cuff is put on the paw of the animal, into which air is injected. A change in tissue volume is recorded at the time of dosed compression and relaxation of blood vessels (impact of a pulse wave).
The most accurate of all is the oscilloscope method. It must be taken into account that the animal at the time of the procedure is most often under stress. This condition affects the results of the a/d measurement. In this regard, it is recommended to take measurements several times, taking the average value as the truth.
High pressure features
Secondary hypertension in cats can develop against the background of serious pathologies, such as:
- diabetes;
- heart failure;
- endocrinological disorders (hyperthyroidism);
- Cushing's disease (increased synthesis of the hormone of the adrenal cortex);
- jade.
Pressure that lasts for a long time has a detrimental effect on the condition of the eyes. In addition, the walls of blood vessels suffer, the viscosity of the blood increases. A decrease in blood flow causes a decrease in the rate of metabolic processes in tissues. All this is fraught with serious consequences for the body. Therefore, during each scheduled preventive examination of a pet, it is necessary to measure the pressure.
It is also very important to periodically measure a / d for individuals who are already 5-7 years old. At this age, animals become susceptible to primary hypertension.
Symptoms of the disease
High blood pressure, first of all, worsens the condition of the eyes, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The main symptoms of hypertension appear from these organs. The signs and pathophysiology of arterial hypertension in cats are as follows:
- Vision deteriorates sharply, dilated pupils, retinal hemorrhages are observed. In severe cases, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even complete blindness can occur.
- On the part of the nervous system, unsteadiness of gait is often observed due to poor coordination. Later appear lethargy, apathy, increased drowsiness.
- On the part of the respiratory system - shortness of breath, oxygen starvation.
- Increased swelling is also characteristic (paws swell especially strongly).
- Sometimes nosebleeds occur.
Treatment of the disease
Normal a / d in cats averages 120 to 80 mm Hg. An animal needs medical attention in the following cases:
- pressure above 150/100 mmHg - with these figures, constant monitoring is established;
- pressure above 160/120 mmHg - start antihypertensive therapy.
Treatment of hypertension in cats is usually carried out in several stages:
- Normalization of pressure with the help of antihypertensive drugs (Amlodipine, Benazepril, Lisinopril). In some cases, these drugs are prescribed to the animal for life.
- Elimination of edema with diuretics (Diakarb).
- Elimination of the cause of high blood pressure (in case of secondary symptomatic hypertension).
- Constant monitoring of the condition of the kidneys and eyes.
At the time of treatment, it is necessary to provide the animal with constant peace, protect it from stressful situations.
Low pressure
Reduced a / d is of a secondary nature, that is, it reflects one or another physiological state in a cat. The main causes of hypotension are:
- weakness of the heart muscle;
- large blood loss;
- shock states.
The main symptoms of hypotension are associated with the general condition of the animal:
- feeling of weakness;
- thready pulse;
- fainting states;
- drowsiness;
- cold extremities.
Low blood pressure in most cases is episodic.
Carefully monitor blood pressure in cats before, during, and after surgery. Its sharp fall indicates a deterioration in the condition of the animal and the need to take urgent resuscitation measures.
In order for the pressure to stay within the normal range for as long as possible, you need to monitor the health of the cat, and especially the heart and blood vessels. To support them will help the correct diet, the adequacy of physical activity, annual preventive examinations, as well as adherence to the vaccination calendar.
Perhaps the most popular disease for discussion among the older generation is high blood pressure. And this is far from accidental, since it is precisely this pathology that doctors call the “silent killer”. Hypertension in cats also occurs, and also leads to very unpleasant consequences.
It is a medical term that is used to refer to high blood pressure. A few years ago, everyone confidently believed that this problem was characteristic only of humans, but now there is information that fully confirms the existence of this pathology in our smaller brothers. Cats also suffer from high blood pressure.
This disease is divided into two types: primary and secondary. In cats, it is secondary that is common, that is, a pathology that develops under the influence of some other diseases. Primary arterial hypertension in animals is extremely rare, but its probability should not be ruled out. Scientists and veterinarians suggest that in this case we can talk about a genetically determined defect.
Very often, pressure problems occur when the animal has diseased kidneys. The most common cause is chronic renal failure. In the case when a cat has hyperthyroidism, he will certainly suffer from high blood pressure.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of hypertension in cats? There are no particularly specific signs, but high blood pressure hits various organs hard. Seeing certain changes, an experienced veterinarian will certainly be able to make the correct diagnosis. This pathology is most dangerous for the eyes. Bleeding, retinal detachment, glaucoma - this is not all the consequences. In most cases, they lead to complete or partial blindness of the animal, its disorientation in space. Any owner can notice all these manifestations.
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Of course, troubles with blood vessels also hit hard on the state of the nervous system. A cat can behave very strangely or inappropriately, walk shaky or “drunk”, in a severe course of the disease, everything can end in a coma.
How does the heart respond to increased blood pressure? Very hard. If the pathology develops according to a chronic type, hypertrophy of the heart muscle develops first. But over time, the forces of the body are no longer enough for this. Gradually, the heart weakens, dystrophic and degenerative effects develop in its tissues. In very severe cases, they lead to the development of congestive heart failure. This is expressed in shortness of breath, edema, superficial and very rapid breathing.
Considering the most important filtration function of the kidneys, one should not be surprised by their pronounced response to an increase in blood pressure. It severely damages the renal glomeruli and tubules, and therefore significantly increases the risk of developing renal failure. If the cat already had some problems with this organ, then in this case everything will become much worse.
Diagnostic measures
Many cats simply do not have any pronounced symptoms, so that pressure problems are only indirectly known. In cases where his vision suddenly disappears or deteriorates greatly. Early detection of arterial hypertension is why it is so important: only in this case there is a chance to keep the pet healthy eyes.
Some cats with hypertension appear depressed, lethargic, and withdrawn. Many breeders after the start of treatment are surprised to notice that their pets become cheerful, playful and nimble again. It is likely that cats can also experience severe headaches with this, but so far there is no official confirmation of this.
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Mandatory blood and urine tests! This is due to the fact that this is the only way to detect hormonal problems in a timely manner.
Experienced veterinarians say that in cats older than seven years, pressure is measured for preventive purposes at least once a year, and upon reaching the age of ten, this operation is performed at least once every six months. As a rule, a separate card is created for each old cat, in which the results of blood pressure measurements are in a separate column.
And how, in fact, is it generally measured? Surprisingly, but for this it is quite possible to use any "human" blood pressure monitor purchased at the nearest pharmacy. At the same time, the cuff is attached either to the paw, or the base of the tail is wrapped around it.
Important! Animals at the same time can be very nervous, and therefore the results of a single measurement will be completely unreliable. Therefore, they try to carry out measurements in a calm, homely atmosphere, measuring pressure at least five times.
However, in modern veterinary clinics there are special devices for this purpose. They are smaller in size, and their use does not cause such a strong fear in cats. We repeat once again that the results of measurements taken during “hysterical attacks” cannot be considered reliable!
Treatment
Thus, the treatment of hypertension in cats has two main goals at once:
- First, with the help of special drugs, high blood pressure is brought down. Many remedies are available today, but the most commonly used amlodipine and benazepril.
- The primary disease is immediately identified. If it is completely eliminated, then in most cases the pressure indicators instantly return to normal.
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