Can I test cat’s blood pressure?

Hypertension is surprisingly common in cats but it can be monitored and treated with medication

Q

My friend’s cat has been diagnosed with hypertension. Is this a common problem in cats and should I have my 12-year-old cat’s blood pressure measured? He is very well for his age.

A

It is surprising how common hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats is. Yet it is relatively recent that technology has advanced sufficiently for vets to be able to measure blood pressure in cats quite easily.

Specialised veterinary equipment was necessary as human equivalents are not reliable. Developing small cuffs and finding the best place to position them was also important.

Veterinary nurses often do blood pressure measurement, because they are especially good at ensuring the cats stay calm so that the readings are accurate.

The cuffs are placed at the base of the tail or above the carpus (wrist) on one of the front legs. Most cats tolerate the procedure very well after about five minutes of getting used to it.

Normal values for blood pressure in cats are similar to people at around 120-140 mm Hg systolic pressure.

Usually the first reading is ignored and subsequent averaged measurements are more accurate, as the cat becomes accustomed to the procedure. Most authorities suggest values of 160-180 mm Hg are high, and above 180 indicates severe hypertension.

Hypertension in cats may be associated with kidney, thyroid or heart disease, requiring investigation and treatment. Untreated it can lead to retinal detachment and potentially blindness, as well as worsening of any underlying disease.

Drugs to reduce blood pressure help avoid these complications, therefore arrange a check-up with your vet.

Q

A friend’s dog went to the vet this week with a grass seed stuck in his ear. I have a springer spaniel who likes running on grass. Are grass seeds a common problem and what do I need to look out for?

A

Grass awns (seeds) are indeed a common problem at this time of year. The ones to look out for are those that look like arrows. In fact, there are lots of them in the grass verges along my road.

The backward-facing spikes mean that once they gain access with their sharp points, they can only move forward and won’t exit naturally.

Awns in the ear can produce dramatic and often painful signs. The dog will hold its head to one side and scratch at the ear.

It’s no use putting drops in the ear, the awn needs to be removed by a vet, often under general anaesthesia.

Other signs depend on where the awn ends up and, over the years, I have seen most if not all possibilities.

Commonly they enter the skin between the toes, causing an infection. If untreated the awn can move up the leg (causing more infection) and it can be quite difficult to then locate where it ends up. A serious problem is caused when an awn – usually a smaller version – lodges behind the upper, lower or third eyelid. This can look like conjunctivitis, but won’t resolve until the awn is removed.

Until the grass awns are no longer visible try to avoid long grass and check for them after each walk.