Cat "Three Highs": A Guide to Diagnosing and Treating Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, and Hyperglycemia
Cat "Three Highs": A Guide to Diagnosing and Treating Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, and Hyperglycemia
"Three highs," referring to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, are common problems that plague middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, with changing modern lifestyles, more and more young people are joining the ranks of those with "three highs." Surprisingly, cats can also experience "three highs," and this is not exclusive to senior cats. So, which cats are more prone to "three highs"? How can you detect these conditions in your cat early on?
1. Cat Hypertension
Hypertension is categorized into primary and secondary types. In cats, secondary hypertension is more prevalent, often triggered by chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, or other underlying illnesses. Some cases of hypertension without a clear underlying cause are classified as primary hypertension. This accounts for roughly 13-20% of cases and tends to be hereditary.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
Similar to humans, elevated blood pressure can damage various organ systems in cats:
Eyes: Retinal detachment leading to blindness, retinal bleeding.
Heart: Arrhythmias, heart murmurs, left ventricular enlargement, heart failure.
Kidneys: Kidney damage and failure.
Brain: Depression, disorientation, seizures, gait abnormalities.
Cat owners, if you notice any of these pronounced symptoms in your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention! Severe hypertension can be life-threatening for cats, so don't delay treatment.
Which cats require special attention?
Cats with CKD, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes.
Cats over 7 years old.
How to Diagnose Cat Hypertension:
Specialty Hospital Checkup: Consider seeking examination at a hospital specializing in cardiology, as their equipment and physicians are more specialized.
General Practitioner Blood Pressure Measurement: General practitioners typically also measure blood pressure, but it's essential to contact the hospital's front desk in advance.
Minimize Stress: Stress significantly affects cat blood pressure, so try to reduce it during transportation to the hospital by bringing familiar blankets they often lie on or spraying pheromones.
Home Measurement: Blood pressure readings are more accurate when taken in a familiar home environment. Some veterinary hospitals offer pet blood pressure monitors for rent. You can inquire about this service at veterinary clinics in your city.
Treatment for Cat Hypertension:
Blood Pressure Control: The goal of treatment is to control systolic blood pressure below 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 90mmHg.
Regular Monitoring: Blood pressure, medication side effects, and disease progression need to be monitored regularly.
Treating Underlying Illnesses: Secondary hypertension requires identifying the root cause. Treating the underlying illness often helps manage hypertension, especially in cats with hyperthyroidism.
Eye Treatment: If eye problems exist, special eye drops might be needed. The extent of visual recovery depends on the severity of bleeding in the eye.
Antihypertensive Medications: Cats can be prescribed antihypertensive medications, such as amlodipine or benazepril. The doctor will choose the appropriate medication based on the cat's specific situation.
Recommendation: During routine checkups for senior cats (over 5-7 years old), blood pressure monitoring is recommended as early detection can prevent irreversible damage.
2. Cat Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia refers to an excess of fats (lipids) in an animal's blood. The main lipids found in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. If the levels of one or both of these lipids are elevated, the cat is considered to have hyperlipidemia.
There are also primary and secondary types of hyperlipidemia:
Primary Hyperlipidemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects lipid levels.
Secondary Hyperlipidemia: Caused by other diseases, preventing excess lipids from leaving the bloodstream, leading to increased lipid levels.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
Hyperlipidemia can be associated with a range of atypical, non-specific clinical signs, including:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Weight changes
Skin lesions
Seizures and other neurological issues
Increased thirst and/or urination
Which cats require special attention?
Obese cats or those on high-fat diets.
Cats with pancreatitis, diabetes, liver disease, or protein-losing nephropathy.
How to Diagnose Cat Hyperlipidemia:
12-Hour Fast: Before blood testing, pets must fast for 12 hours to ensure more accurate results. The ideal time for testing is before breakfast in the morning.
Blood Tests: Typically, a complete blood count, biochemistry profile (including triglyceride and cholesterol measurements), urinalysis, and hormone tests are performed to confirm hyperlipidemia and identify the cause.
Treatment for Cat Hyperlipidemia:
Treating Underlying Illnesses: If hyperlipidemia stems from other diseases, prioritizing treatment and control of those conditions is crucial.
Dietary Control: Strict adherence to a low-fat, high-fiber diet is essential.
Lipid-Lowering Medications: Most lipid-lowering drugs used in humans, such as statins, are not prescribed for pets due to significant side effects. Their use should only be considered after a thorough evaluation by a veterinarian.
Remember: Health is more important than obesity; only healthy cats can stay by our side for a longer time.
3. Cat Hyperglycemia
After a healthy cat eats, insulin is required to absorb glucose into the bloodstream and deliver it to cells throughout the body. When a cat has diabetes, their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body does not respond adequately to this hormone, leading to an inability to control blood glucose levels. When blood sugar levels become abnormally high, this is called hyperglycemia.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
The signs of diabetes in cats are similar to those in humans:
Dietary: Increased water consumption, begging/increased appetite.
Activity: Reduced activity, decreased jumping ability, walking on heels instead of toes.
Urination: Thick or difficult-to-clean urine, more frequent urination, or urinating outside the litter box.
Which cats require special attention?
Overweight or obese cats.
Cats 7 years old or older, or male cats.
Cats with hyperthyroidism and/or kidney problems, infections, or those receiving corticosteroids.
How to Diagnose Cat Hyperglycemia:
Urine and Blood Tests: The veterinarian will check the cat's urine and blood for glucose levels.
Rule Out False Positives: While hyperglycemia and glucosuria (glucose in urine) are typical signs of diabetes, there's a possibility of false positives. Stress in cats can also elevate these levels, so the veterinarian will rely on experience, repeated testing, and additional examinations to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment for Cat Hyperglycemia:
Weight Loss: If the cat is overweight or obese, weight loss through a combination of reduced calorie intake and increased exercise can mitigate diabetic issues (as obesity interferes with insulin action).
Dietary Adjustments: Feed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Insulin Injections: Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections to control blood glucose levels. Constant communication with the veterinarian about dosage is essential. Avoid accidental overdosing, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Conclusion:
With proper management, many diabetic cats can live high-quality lives and thrive. We hope all cats can stay free from diseases and live happily and healthily with us.
"Three highs," referring to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, are common problems that plague middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, with changing modern lifestyles, more and more young people are joining the ranks of those with "three highs." Surprisingly, cats can also experience "three highs," and this is not exclusive to senior cats. So, which cats are more prone to "three highs"? How can you detect these conditions in your cat early on?
1. Cat Hypertension
Hypertension is categorized into primary and secondary types. In cats, secondary hypertension is more prevalent, often triggered by chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, or other underlying illnesses. Some cases of hypertension without a clear underlying cause are classified as primary hypertension. This accounts for roughly 13-20% of cases and tends to be hereditary.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
Similar to humans, elevated blood pressure can damage various organ systems in cats:
Eyes: Retinal detachment leading to blindness, retinal bleeding.
Heart: Arrhythmias, heart murmurs, left ventricular enlargement, heart failure.
Kidneys: Kidney damage and failure.
Brain: Depression, disorientation, seizures, gait abnormalities.
Cat owners, if you notice any of these pronounced symptoms in your cat, seek immediate veterinary attention! Severe hypertension can be life-threatening for cats, so don't delay treatment.
Which cats require special attention?
Cats with CKD, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes.
Cats over 7 years old.
How to Diagnose Cat Hypertension:
Specialty Hospital Checkup: Consider seeking examination at a hospital specializing in cardiology, as their equipment and physicians are more specialized.
General Practitioner Blood Pressure Measurement: General practitioners typically also measure blood pressure, but it's essential to contact the hospital's front desk in advance.
Minimize Stress: Stress significantly affects cat blood pressure, so try to reduce it during transportation to the hospital by bringing familiar blankets they often lie on or spraying pheromones.
Home Measurement: Blood pressure readings are more accurate when taken in a familiar home environment. Some veterinary hospitals offer pet blood pressure monitors for rent. You can inquire about this service at veterinary clinics in your city.
Treatment for Cat Hypertension:
Blood Pressure Control: The goal of treatment is to control systolic blood pressure below 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 90mmHg.
Regular Monitoring: Blood pressure, medication side effects, and disease progression need to be monitored regularly.
Treating Underlying Illnesses: Secondary hypertension requires identifying the root cause. Treating the underlying illness often helps manage hypertension, especially in cats with hyperthyroidism.
Eye Treatment: If eye problems exist, special eye drops might be needed. The extent of visual recovery depends on the severity of bleeding in the eye.
Antihypertensive Medications: Cats can be prescribed antihypertensive medications, such as amlodipine or benazepril. The doctor will choose the appropriate medication based on the cat's specific situation.
Recommendation: During routine checkups for senior cats (over 5-7 years old), blood pressure monitoring is recommended as early detection can prevent irreversible damage.
2. Cat Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia refers to an excess of fats (lipids) in an animal's blood. The main lipids found in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. If the levels of one or both of these lipids are elevated, the cat is considered to have hyperlipidemia.
There are also primary and secondary types of hyperlipidemia:
Primary Hyperlipidemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects lipid levels.
Secondary Hyperlipidemia: Caused by other diseases, preventing excess lipids from leaving the bloodstream, leading to increased lipid levels.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
Hyperlipidemia can be associated with a range of atypical, non-specific clinical signs, including:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Weight changes
Skin lesions
Seizures and other neurological issues
Increased thirst and/or urination
Which cats require special attention?
Obese cats or those on high-fat diets.
Cats with pancreatitis, diabetes, liver disease, or protein-losing nephropathy.
How to Diagnose Cat Hyperlipidemia:
12-Hour Fast: Before blood testing, pets must fast for 12 hours to ensure more accurate results. The ideal time for testing is before breakfast in the morning.
Blood Tests: Typically, a complete blood count, biochemistry profile (including triglyceride and cholesterol measurements), urinalysis, and hormone tests are performed to confirm hyperlipidemia and identify the cause.
Treatment for Cat Hyperlipidemia:
Treating Underlying Illnesses: If hyperlipidemia stems from other diseases, prioritizing treatment and control of those conditions is crucial.
Dietary Control: Strict adherence to a low-fat, high-fiber diet is essential.
Lipid-Lowering Medications: Most lipid-lowering drugs used in humans, such as statins, are not prescribed for pets due to significant side effects. Their use should only be considered after a thorough evaluation by a veterinarian.
Remember: Health is more important than obesity; only healthy cats can stay by our side for a longer time.
3. Cat Hyperglycemia
After a healthy cat eats, insulin is required to absorb glucose into the bloodstream and deliver it to cells throughout the body. When a cat has diabetes, their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body does not respond adequately to this hormone, leading to an inability to control blood glucose levels. When blood sugar levels become abnormally high, this is called hyperglycemia.
Symptoms and Potential Problems:
The signs of diabetes in cats are similar to those in humans:
Dietary: Increased water consumption, begging/increased appetite.
Activity: Reduced activity, decreased jumping ability, walking on heels instead of toes.
Urination: Thick or difficult-to-clean urine, more frequent urination, or urinating outside the litter box.
Which cats require special attention?
Overweight or obese cats.
Cats 7 years old or older, or male cats.
Cats with hyperthyroidism and/or kidney problems, infections, or those receiving corticosteroids.
How to Diagnose Cat Hyperglycemia:
Urine and Blood Tests: The veterinarian will check the cat's urine and blood for glucose levels.
Rule Out False Positives: While hyperglycemia and glucosuria (glucose in urine) are typical signs of diabetes, there's a possibility of false positives. Stress in cats can also elevate these levels, so the veterinarian will rely on experience, repeated testing, and additional examinations to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment for Cat Hyperglycemia:
Weight Loss: If the cat is overweight or obese, weight loss through a combination of reduced calorie intake and increased exercise can mitigate diabetic issues (as obesity interferes with insulin action).
Dietary Adjustments: Feed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
Insulin Injections: Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections to control blood glucose levels. Constant communication with the veterinarian about dosage is essential. Avoid accidental overdosing, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Conclusion:
With proper management, many diabetic cats can live high-quality lives and thrive. We hope all cats can stay free from diseases and live happily and healthily with us.
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