DM3 Pt2-1 Hypertension Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is hypertension in cats?
Hypertension in cats is high blood pressure, most commonly found in cats over 10 years of age, often secondary to other diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, or hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome).
What are the primary causes of feline hypertension?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, and hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), which is often due to an adrenal tumor or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
Which organ systems are affected by hypertension in cats?
Eyes, brain, kidneys, and cardiovascular system are the main target organs affected by hypertension.
What are the clinical signs of hypertension in the eyes?
Visual deficits, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, bleeding into the anterior chamber (hyphaema), and blindness.
What neurological signs may indicate hypertension in cats?
Altered behavior, ataxia, seizures, dementia, and coma, often due to vascular accidents in the brain.
How does hypertension affect the cardiovascular system in cats?
Hypertension can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart’s muscle wall, which can strain the heart.
How does hypertension affect the kidneys in cats?
Hypertension can cause glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis, which may worsen chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cause hypertensive renal damage.
What are some subtle signs of hypertension in cats before severe symptoms develop?
Reduced activity, dislike of being handled (especially around the head), and increased vocalization.
What are the late-stage signs of hypertension in cats?
Acute onset blindness, often from retinal detachment, is a common late-stage sign.
Why is early detection of hypertension in cats important?
Early detection can prevent irreversible damage to target organs such as the eyes, brain, kidneys, and heart. Blood pressure monitoring in older cats is crucial for early detection.
What blood pressure changes occur in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Hypertension commonly occurs in cats with CKD and may worsen the progression of kidney damage due to increased glomerular pressure.
What is Conn’s syndrome, and how does it relate to feline hypertension?
Conn’s syndrome, or hyperaldosteronism, is a condition characterized by excessive production of aldosterone, usually due to an adrenal tumor. It can cause hypertension in cats.
What systemic symptoms might a cat with hypertension present?
Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, inappetence (often due to CKD), polyphagia (due to hyperthyroidism), or weakness and neck ventroflexion (due to hypokalemia in hyperaldosteronism).
What is the recommended way to monitor for hypertension in older cats?
Routine blood pressure monitoring is advised for cats over 10 years of age, along with monitoring for subtle behavioral changes or signs of discomfort.
What technique is preferred for measuring blood pressure in conscious cats?
Indirect measurement techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound, are preferred as they do not require sedation or anesthesia and minimize stress for the patient.
Why is the oscillometric technique less reliable for measuring blood pressure in cats?
The oscillometric technique is less reliable in conscious cats because it often fails to give a reading, although it can be more accurate in anaesthetised cats. Newer high-definition oscillometry (HDO) technology may offer better accuracy, but more studies are needed to compare it with Doppler and direct measurements.
What steps can reduce ‘white coat hypertension’ in cats during blood pressure measurements?
Perform the measurement in a quiet room, away from barking dogs and other noise, and allow the cat 10 minutes to acclimatize to the surroundings before starting the procedure. Having the owner present can also help reduce stress.
How should the cat be restrained during the blood pressure measurement?
The cat should be restrained as gently as possible, usually just by gently steadying it while the cuff is placed and readings are taken.
What equipment is used for Doppler blood pressure measurement in cats?
Equipment includes a Doppler unit, an inflatable cuff (usually 2.5 cm wide, but cuff width should be 40% of the limb’s circumference), ultrasound coupling gel, and a hand-pump sphygmomanometer.
Where should the Doppler probe be placed on the cat for blood pressure measurement?
The probe should be placed over the common digital artery on the palmar surface of the forelimb, between the carpal and metacarpal pads. Ultrasound coupling gel should be applied to the skin and the probe to ensure a good signal.
How do you determine systolic blood pressure (SBP) using Doppler?
Inflate the cuff to 20-30 mmHg above the point where the sound of blood flow is obliterated. Then, slowly deflate the cuff and record the SBP as the pressure at which blood flow is first detected consistently again.
How many blood pressure readings should be taken to ensure accuracy?
At least five readings should be taken over 2-3 minutes, and the average of these readings should be recorded as the SBP.
What should be done if the first few readings are unusually high?
If the first 2-3 readings show a sharp drop (20-30 mmHg) in SBP due to stress, those initial readings should be discarded.
Why is Doppler preferred over oscillometric methods for measuring blood pressure in conscious cats?
Doppler is more reliable in conscious cats as it provides more consistent readings, whereas oscillometric methods often fail or are inaccurate in conscious cats.
