Hypertension
Hypertension is a disease where the blood pressure is higher than the normal range. High blood pressure results in increased work load on the heart and may lead to heart disease . Hypertension may be secondary (hypertension caused by known factors) or primary (hypertension caused by unknown factors). In man most cases of hypertension are primary, in cats and dogs most cases of hypertension are secondary.
In cats one of the most common ocular diseases is retinopathy. Cats usually present with detached retina(s) and have suddenly gone blind. When you look at the pupils, you will see a white cloth behind the lens - this cloth is a detached retina. Some times you will be able to see a large blood clot in the front of the eye. Detached retinas are an emergency and should be treated quickly with blood pressure lowering medication such as Istin® (amlodipine). Some cats may need treatment with Istin® and Fortekor®.
Depending on how long the retinas have been detached vision may return or the retinas may be permanently damaged.
On the initial consult it is important to have T4(thyoid status), renal parameters (urea and creatinine) tested, to determine the cause of the hypertension. Blood pressure is measured on at least the initial visit and the first revisit. Referral to a heart specialist (cardiologist) may be indicated if the owner can afford this.
Hypertension is not very common in dogs. Hypertension in dogs commonly cause retinal haemorrhages and/or retinal oedema and may cause large retinal detachments and intra ocular haemorrhages.
Referral to a heart specialist (cardiologist) is indicated to investigate any heart disease. Blood tests are sent off for screening of systemic disease.
This section of mammaleye.com is written for Owner's of patients under my care and treatment. Others may of cause gain knowledge about eye diseases in pets. Remember that other veterinary ophthalmologists may wish to treat diseases of the eye in a different way than myself.
If you as an owner want further information (scientific) about eye diseases then have a look at www.mammaleye.com/prof.htm or go to pubmed and do a search on Medline - the main resource of scientific information for the whole medical profession.
