Blood pressure (key for senior cats)
Hypertension is the silent killer of senior cats: it can suddenly cause blindness (retinal detachment), seizures and strokes, and damages kidneys and heart. Measurement is painless — screen every cat over 7 at each visit.
🧾 Before the test
- ✓Let the pet settle 5-10 minutes before measuring
- ✓Multiple readings for a stable value
- ✓Dogs get hypertension too — screen CKD dogs as well
📊 Reading the key values
| Search | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic (cats) | Over 160 mmHg suggests hypertension — target-organ risk (eyes/brain/kidney/heart) | Low: watch for hypotension/anesthesia risk |
| Fundic exam | Retinal detachment or bleeding = end-stage hypertension signs | Normal |
| Proteinuria | Kidney damage or systemic hypertension signal | Normal |
💡 How to read it Feline hypertension is almost always secondary: CKD, hyperthyroidism and diabetes are the three backgrounds — treat the root. Before blindness there is often dilated pupils and bumping into things.
🤖 AI report interpretation
Type the values from your report below (e.g. “ALT 250, BUN 40”) and the AI will interpret them against each test’s reference meanings.
FAQ
Can I measure at home?
Yes — cuff-style pet monitors cost around a hundred dollars; vets can teach you. Home values avoid white-coat effect.
Is hypertension treatable?
Yes — amlodipine controls it well while the background disease (e.g. CKD) is treated; blindness risk drops significantly.