A Look At Cats and Blood Pressure Blindness

What causes it?

There are various potential causes of high blood pressure in cats, such as kidney disease and thyroid disease. In some instances, a specific cause cannot be identified.

How is it diagnosed?

A diagnosis is made based on a combination of the typical findings we see when we examine the eyes, in conjunction with the measurement of the blood pressure during the consultation.

How does it affect the eyes?

High blood pressure can impact various organs such as the eyes, brain, heart/vascular system, and kidneys. In the eyes, it can lead to blood vessels rupturing or fluid leakage. This may result in bleeding into the eye, which can be evident, or damage to the retina at the back of the eye. A damaged retina is associated with vision loss or complete blindness.

How is it treated?

High blood pressure is treated with oral medication, either in the form of a tablet or liquid, typically prescribed for the patient’s lifetime. If an underlying disease is diagnosed, it also requires treatment. The effectiveness of this treatment should be confirmed through a follow-up appointment. While some damage to the eyes may be reversible, there are cases where complete or partial vision loss becomes permanent.

How can we help?

Our experienced veterinary team can diagnose and manage high blood pressure blindness.