Some readers may not be aware that pets have blood pressure problems, too.
Today we saw “GrayCat,” who had her 16th birthday this month and is doing great.
Excessive blood pressure occurs mostly in cats, usually from feline hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone output) or from kidney disease, or both. Some cats may have high blood pressure from heart disease, such as GrayCat.
Hyperthyroidism typically occurs in cats six years of age and older.
Kidney disease can occur at any age, but kidney disease that is associated with age rarely starts earlier that ten years of age.
Heart disease can occur at any age.
Excessive blood pressure in dogs usually is associated with kidney disease and certain cancerous tumors.
Blood pressure readings in pets are easily obtained, just like in people. Most veterinarians who take blood pressure have an electronic machine, as opposed to the sphygmomanometer that is commonly used in people. Typically three to five readings are taken and averaged.
Special medications are chosen according to the cause and level of high blood pressure.
Failure to treat excessive blood pressure can result in kidney damage and eventually kidney failure, as well as retinal damage which often leads to retinal detachment and sudden blindness.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
