Tag Archives: prevention

Dogs

Heatstroke cases have increased!

Did you know that it’s not just pets in hot cars that can suffer from heatstroke?

According to a recent veterinary report, there has been a fivefold increase in heatstroke cases during June and August of 2022, with pets sadly passing away in one in four of these cases. Is this a result of global warming?

Keep reading to learn all about heatstroke, its most common signs, and how to prevent dangerous situations during warm weather.

Is heatstroke in pets common?

Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body is exposed to a high temperature for too long, and it can be dangerous for your pet’s internal organs.

Unfortunately, during warm days, there are many ways for your pet to find himself or herself in this situation. Owners often hear about dogs in hot cars and how it can be lethal in under 10 minutes, but long walks during warm weather, exposed kennels, and badly ventilated rooms can also cause a dangerous increase in body heat, even in cats or smaller mammals.

It’s critical that you be vigilant of situations where your pets might overheat, even if they seem comfortable or don’t seem to be in distress.

What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

As we’ve mentioned, heatstroke can quickly become a serious problem and to ensure your pet has the best chance to find care in these situations, knowing the signs is essential.

Here is what you might spot:

  • Panting
  • Shallow, fast breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Refusing to move or collapsing
  • Gums that look very red and dry
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them! This is particularly important for pets who are old, overweight, have breathing difficulties, or suffer from certain problems like heart or kidney diseases, as they are more likely not to be able to regulate their temperature as well as other animals.

If my pet is suffering from heatstroke, what should I do?

When you suspect your pet might be suffering from heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cooler area and call your vet as soon as possible!

Based on your case, they will advise you on how to proceed but will most often tell you to try and run cool (but not cold) water over his or her body, which can help reduce temperature.

After that, your vet will want to see your pet at the practice to make sure his or her body temperature is going down in a safe way and that there are no further problems that need to be treated. 

 

In summary:

  • Recent studies show there has been a fivefold increase in the number of pet heatstroke cases;
  • Pets can suffer from heat problems by being trapped inside hot cars but also by being outside too long, going on long walks during the hottest hours of the day or being stuck inside a room with a high temperature;
  • The most common signs are collapsing, panting, drooling and fast breathing;
  • Knowing how to recognise these signs is essential to be able to help your pet before there are serious consequences!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Cat microchipping is now compulsory in England

As of June 2024, cat microchipping has become compulsory for cats in England!

A microchip can be an invaluable tool to help your pet find his or her way back home and it is very simple and painless to implant. This way, someone with a chip reader (for instance, a vet or the local council) can quickly find your contact information and reunite your pet with you!

Has your cat been microchipped yet? Keep reading to learn about the new law and how to ensure your feline friend’s safety.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small transmitter that is about the size of a grain of rice and it can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin, where it will remain all of their life without bothering them.

It contains a special number that can be read with a scanner and this links back to your contact details in a database.

The price for a microchip is around £10 to £30, but some charities will offer it for free, making it an extremely cost-effective way to help protect your cat from getting lost.

How can microchipping help bring my cat home?

As we’ve mentioned, the microchip transmits a number that can be used to find your contact details in one of the microchip databases available in the UK.

This means that, should your cat escape or get lost, he or she can be brought to a vet, a pet charity, or the local council and be checked for a microchip. They will be able to match your cat with your contact details, significantly increasing the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend.

Unlike collars or other accessories, a microchip is unlikely to get lost (though rarely it might change location and be harder to find at times) or deactivated.

However, if you change your address or phone number, you must update this information on your microchip’s database every time that you do! Many pets have been found with microchips only for the details to be outdated, making it much harder to find their owners.

Can I get a fine if my cat isn’t microchipped?

With the new law in effect, non-compliance can cost you up to £500 in fines! From 10th June 2024, all cats older than 20 weeks must be microchipped, and owners have 21 days to resolve this situation before being issued a fine.

This law is only in effect in England but we recommend that you microchip your cat regardless of where you live – it’s a simple, cost-effective procedure that can be done by any vet and it might mean the difference between a reunion or your cat not being able to be tracked!

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs

Make sure grass seeds are not a problem this summer

If you are yearning for some outdoor adventures with your dog this summer, our blog post is for you!

Walks in the countryside can be great fun, but it’s important to be mindful of grass seeds as these can lead to many problems!

Keep reading to learn more about grass seeds and how to keep your dog away from trouble.

What are grass seeds?

Grass seeds are small, arrow-shaped grass particles and are a common part of the woodland and meadow flora in the UK. As your dog passes by, these seeds can easily detach from the stem, and their bristles make it easy for them to get caught up in your dog’s fur.

 

Why are grass seeds a problem for dogs? How will I know if my dog is affected?

If grass seeds are entangled in your dog’s fur and stay put, you’re not likely to have problems. However, with your dog’s normal movement, these tend to migrate towards the skin, and their pointy end and arrow shape can easily pierce through.

As you can imagine, this will cause a lot of discomfort and pain, and you may notice your dog licking or nibbling at the affected area if they can reach it.

Other signs associated with grass seeds will vary depending on where they’re positioned. For instance, if the nose is affected, your dog may start sneezing a lot; if the problem area is a paw, you may notice limping. Other commonly affected areas are the ears, eyes, lips, and genitals.

 

What can I do to help my dog?

If you notice any of the signs mentioned, book an appointment at your vet practice for your dog to be seen. As these signs are common to a range of problems, it’s important for your vet to do a thorough physical exam to find out what is causing them.

If the grass seed is visible, the diagnosis is easy, but tests may be necessary if it is already embedded deep in the skin.

The treatment is aimed at removing the embedded seed and treating any secondary infections that might have developed. Some grass seeds can be removed with tweezers, but if they’ve travelled internally, a surgical technique may be needed.

 

What about prevention?

The only way you can guarantee grass seeds won’t be a problem is to avoid walking your dog in places where these can be found.

If you decide to go to a place where there are grass seeds, make sure to check your dog’s fur afterwards, paying special attention to the face and between the toes, and remove any seeds that you find. If you notice any soreness, redness and if the area is warm (signs of inflammation), talk to your vet.

If you have a long-haired dog, it may be worth clipping their fur during the summer months, which can also help them feel more comfortable with higher temperatures.

Being aware of these signs can help prevent a range of problems if you enjoy involving your dog in outdoor activities. Other than grass seeds, we’d like to remind you to make sure that your dog’s parasite treatments are up-to-date and to learn more about how to protect them from seasonal hazards such as heatstroke, drowning and adder bites! Stay tuned!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs

What do you know about canine heart disease?

How much do you know about canine heart disease? One of the most common forms of heart disease in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This means that the heart chambers are enlarged, making it harder for the heart to work properly and send blood to where it needs to be.

As a progressive disease, as soon as you see the signs something might be wrong (for instance, shortness of breath, difficulty doing physical activities or fainting), it’s essential that you take your dog to the vet so he or she can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Read our blog post and learn all about supporting your dog with DCM!

Heart disease in dogs

Many heart conditions in canine patients can cause problems, but the two main ones are diseases that affect the heart’s muscles or the valves of the heart chambers. In this blog, we will focus on the most common heart muscle disease: Dilated cardiomyopathy.

DCM affects mainly large and giant-sized dogs, though medium and, more rarely, smaller breeds can also be affected. This disease develops because the muscle responsible for pumping blood gets progressively thinner, showing up as an enlarged chamber in the heart.

Due to this, the muscle gets weaker and less capable of handling blood circulation. For a while, your dog’s body will be able to compensate for the loss of heart function, and you might not see any worrying signs.

However, at some point, the capacity to compensate for a faulty heart muscle is exhausted, and you might spot the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unusual tiredness and refusal to play or run
  • Coughing
  • Swollen belly
  • Fainting without any other explanation

Early detection is key when it comes to DCM. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to consult your vet promptly. While there is no cure for DCM, the disease can often be effectively managed with timely intervention and regular vet visits, enhancing your dog’s quality of life.

Diagnosing canine cardiomyopathy and heart failure

The most important thing about an early diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is that it gives your pet the best chance to start treatment as soon as possible.

When you bring your furry friend in, your vet will perform several types of tests, such as a special heart ultrasound to measure the heart’s electrical activity and blood tests to determine the health of organs like the kidneys or liver.

It’s important for your vet to be able to assess your dog’s degree of heart failure, which happens when his or her body cannot compensate for the lack of muscle capacity of the heart and clinical signs appear. Determining the degree of heart failure allows him or her to have a treatment that is perfectly tailored to their condition.

Helping your dog with dilated cardiomyopathy

As we’ve mentioned, it’s essential that you pay attention to the signs of heart failure and, take your dog to be properly diagnosed and have a good treatment plan put in place to help him or her live with a stable heart function and the least amount of clinical signs possible.

Each dog will have his or her personalised treatment plan, which can change over time as DCM progresses.

Because of this, an attentive owner can make all of the difference! If you notice any change in energy levels, food intake, coughing or an increase in his or her breathing rate, it’s worth checking in with your vet to see if an appointment is needed.

In summary:

  • Heart disease in dogs is very common, and it will often show up as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in large or giant dogs;
  • If you spot any of the signs of heart disease in your pet, like fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a swollen abdomen, talk to your vet as soon as possible;
  • Treatment of DCM is tailored to your dog’s clinical issues, and it can be adjusted as needed;
  • Breathing rate, energy levels and coughing are important things to look out for if your dog is suffering from DCM;
  • When you see any changes, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

The Five Freedoms: How can I improve my horse’s life?

As we mentioned in our last Equine blog, horses and donkeys are amazing companions! They support us by giving us unconditional love, helping us with farm and transportation work, and can perform as outstanding athletes in various types of competitions.

As with all other companion species, the Five Freedoms are an essential part of equine welfare and in this blog, we’ll be talking about freedom from hunger and thirst and freedom from pain, injury and disease.

Keep reading to know how you can improve your horse’s life!

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Horses are large ruminants that require the appropriate type and quantity of food for their age, lifestyle, and physical condition (for instance, pregnancy, old age, or chronic illnesses).

Because this can vary so much for each horse and is likely to change during the horse’s life, it’s essential that you keep a close eye on their needs and change how you’re feeding them as needed. This might mean balancing nutrients, introducing supplements or finding better ways to avoid under- or overfeeding.

They also cannot live without water and, in fact, will suffer severe consequences quicker from a lack of water than from bad nutrition. This means that it’s crucial that you provide them with permanent access to fresh water that doesn’t have a bad taste (which might mean your horses drink less than they should) or isn’t accidentally contaminated with chemicals or microorganisms.

If you’re worried about your horse’s nutrition or if he or she has a disease that requires a specific type of food, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! They can help you ensure your animals are receiving the right type and amount of food to thrive and remain healthy.

Freedom from pain, injury and disease

Discomfort and pain are two major contributors to decreased quality of life and lack of welfare in equines. An essential part of responsible ownership is creating and maintaining the conditions that allow your animals to live their best lives and spend many happy years with you.

  • Here are some of the best ways to ensure that your horses avoid pain, injury and disease:
  • Take a good look at where your horses live, sleep and exercise and make sure that they have a comfortable place to rest, enough space to move around and routines that respect their needs;
  • Schedule preventative veterinary appointments as regularly as needed and consistently be on the lookout for any problems that might come up, like limping, hoof problems or weight variations;
  • If your horse has a chronic health condition, they might require medication and special care from you;
  • Whenever you see an injury or a problem that requires urgent care, contact your vet as soon as you are able!

Join us for our next blog post as we wrap up our series on the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare!

In summary:

  • Respecting the five areas of animal welfare is essential for the health, wellbeing and happiness of your horse;
  • Equines require specific nutrition depending on their age, lifestyle and physical condition as well as permanent access to clean, fresh water;
  • A well-maintained stable, preventative veterinary care and support during medical emergencies as well as during chronic health conditions will ensure that your animals live long and happy lives free from suffering.

 

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Are you considering adopting a dog from abroad?

Adopting a dog from abroad seems to be a rising trend in the UK, with 6% of owners asked by the PDSA in 2022 and 2023 reporting that their pet was imported compared to 4% in 2021 and 3% in August 2020.

If you’ve fallen in love with a dog from overseas and are considering bringing it back into the UK, keep reading to find out some important things that you should be mindful of before making a decision!

 

Can an imported pet have unusual diseases?

There are a range of exotic diseases that we don’t commonly see or have in the UK that can be imported along with your new dog if you don’t test for them beforehand. These include:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral neurological disease that mostly targets a mammal’s brain and nerves (including humans, dogs and cats), leading to a range of symptoms that ultimately lead to death. Though there is no cure for rabies, the disease can be prevented through vaccination.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is another infectious disease, this time caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. Vets can use antibiotics to try to treat it, but, in most cases, treatment is not effective with dogs often having to be euthanised.

Heartworm

Unlike rabies and brucellosis which can be transmitted from dog to dog (or dog to human!), heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bites. As the name indicates, the disease is characterised by an infection of the heart and lungs by a parasite. The disease is fatal if not treated, and treatment itself poses a number of risks, which is why parasite prevention treatments are key.

Leishmaniasis

This is also a parasitic disease transmitted by sandfly bites. Once infection has been established, there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, but in some animals, the disease can be successfully managed.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis brings us back to bacterial diseases, this one caused by Ehrlichia canis. The disease is also vector-borne, meaning a dog cannot be infected directly, only via a tick bite (the tick being the vector). Diagnosis is often challenging as symptoms are not specific, and, since there is no ehrlichiosis in the UK, vets will only suspect the disease if they are aware that a dog has been living out of the country.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is another tick-borne parasite disease. It mostly affects young and middle-aged dogs and treatment can be challenging, with its effectiveness dictated by the severity of the disease. Again, prevention via tick control is the best way of dealing (or not dealing, in this case!) with these types of infections.

It’s important to be mindful that rabies, brucellosis, leishmaniasis and babesiosis are transmissible to humans as well, some directly from dog to human, others indirectly, requiring a vector (i.e. the dog could infect a tick, for instance, which could then bite and infect a human).

As these diseases may cause severe symptoms in dogs, with some not being treatable at all, combined with their potential for zoonotic infections (i.e. spreading to humans), it’s very important that we try to keep them out of the UK by testing dogs before bringing them to the UK from abroad.

 

Will an overseas pet have health or behaviour problems?

The rise in demand for imported puppies and dogs has led to people turning a blind eye to the welfare conditions those pets experience in their early months.

Though legislation keeps tightening in the UK regarding selling and adopting pets, such as Lucy’s Law and Reggie’s Law, the same is not true in other countries, which may be purposefully breeding dogs in low welfare conditions specifically to supply to the UK.

When this is the case, once with their new families, imported dogs often show behavioural issues and even severe health problems that may lead to a regrettable premature loss of a beloved family member.

Also, according to the PDSA’s 2023 PAW Report, a number of people are seeking imported pets due to physical traits such as docked tails and cropped ears. Both of these practices are illegal in the UK as they pose welfare and health risks to affected animals, and finding a way around the law to acquire such pets is something that should be avoided.

If you’re considering adopting or buying a dog from abroad, we hope this blog post has helped you ponder this decision and do remember to ask your vet which tests are needed before you bring a new pet into your family!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Is Equine Flu a problem?

Have you heard of Equine influenza? Also called Equine flu, this highly infectious disease affects the respiratory system of horses and donkeys, and it can quickly make itself at home in your yard!

These strains of viruses exist all over the UK, sometimes causing outbreaks that have forced many equestrian events to be delayed or cancelled and the halting of any movements of animals in the affected areas. As unvaccinated or otherwise vulnerable horses can suffer from a severe form of this disease, biosecurity and vaccinations are vital to ensure that your horses won’t be severely ill or prevented from entering competitions.

Learn everything about Equine influenza and how to stop it from entering your yard in our blog post.

What is equine influenza?

In the UK, this disease is commonly caused by two Equine influenza virus strains, the H7N7 and the H3N8. As with other viruses, these tend to continuously mutate and become more adept at causing larger-scale infections or outbreaks.

If your horse gets infected, you can spot:

  • Fever;
  • Depression and decreased appetite;
  • Persistent dry cough;
  • Clear nasal discharge that might evolve into a thick mucus discharge.

Animals that are young, unvaccinated or that have compromised immunity are more likely to suffer from a severe or even debilitating form of Equine influenza, possibly requiring veterinary intervention to avoid breathing issues or more severe respiratory infections.

Should I be worried that my horses might catch it?

Equine flu is a concern for all horse owners!

Equine influenza is endemic to the UK and extremely contagious, being able to spread from infected horses to your whole herd in no time. This is particularly important for owners who often travel to shows or events where many horses are gathering.

However, even if your horse never leaves his or her enclosure and you bring no other animals in, they are still at risk of getting or spreading this virus as it’s also very easy to catch it from droplets in the environment. Shared equipment, clothes, tack or bedding can all be important sources of infection, which means that any visitors to your yard might bring this disease with them.

Is there anything I can do to prevent equine influenza?

Vaccination is the best way to help prevent any issues with equine flu, and it is recommended that all horse owners vaccinate against it regularly. Not only will it help significantly to reduce the risk of serious illness but it will also increase herd immunity, helping prevent future outbreaks across the country.

In addition to a good vaccination programme, it’s recommended that you have effective cleaning, monitoring and quarantine protocols in place to limit viral spread.

If you’re concerned with the biosecurity in your yard, your vet can help you identify any points that could be improved and put better measures in place, so you can avoid not only Equine influenza but many other infectious diseases!

In summary:

  • Equine influenza is a common viral infection that can cause severe problems in yards;
  • We recommend you keep all of your horses vaccinated against Equine Influenza, even if they do not contact any other horses;
  • If your horse travels frequently or you often bring in new animals to your property, don’t forget to vaccinate, quarantine and watch them as needed;
  • In the case that one of your animals is struggling with breathing, fever or lethargy, don’t forget to talk to your vet as soon as you are able!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Ringworm in dogs

How much do you know about ringworm in dogs? This infectious skin disease is also called dermatophytosis, and it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus that our pets can easily pick up and bring home!

While it is not often a life-threatening problem, in some circumstances, it can be challenging to get rid of due to high rates of environmental reinfection or if the treatment protocol isn’t correctly applied. It can also go on to infect humans, especially family members with reduced immunity, such as older people, those suffering from chronic illnesses or pregnant women.

Keep reading to find out more about dermatophytosis and how to avoid this nasty problem in your dogs!

Is it easy for my dog to get ringworm?

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi species that grow on the skin, nails and hair of pets and humans. They can resist in the environment for a long time in the form of spores, waiting for someone susceptible to pick them up.

Your dog can get infected by contacting these spores or the fungus directly, such as from another infected animal or by touching contaminated objects like bowls or bedding. The good news is that not every time he or she runs into ringworm will result in an infection, as these fungi often need broken skin (from a wound or after clipping hair, for instance), lowered immunity (like elderly, very young or sick pets) or a high contamination.

When infection occurs, you might spot the following signs:

  • Several circular areas of hair loss that might get bigger over time:
  • Rough or brittle nails;
  • You might also see scabs, reddened skin or other signs of infection in the hairless patches.

If you see any of these, contact your vet, as ringworm is readily transmissible to other pets and people! This is particularly relevant if you have young children, elderly family members or someone suffering from an illness that impacts their immunity in your house.

I think my dog might be at risk, what can I do?

Pets who are the most at risk include young dogs, pets who are sick or under significant stress or those who have come from overcrowded homes.

While ringworm can go away on its own, it might take a long time, and your dog or your family will be at serious risk of infection or reinfection as this fungus can remain active in the environment for up to 18 months.

The best way to avoid problems is to keep an eye on your dog’s hair, skin and nails and contact your vet if you see any of the above-mentioned signs. They will take all the appropriate samples make a diagnosis of fungal infection and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is ringworm treatable?

Most of the time, ringworm will not be complicated to treat, but it’s vital that you follow your vet’s exact recommendations and do not stop treatment halfway unless you’ve explicitly been told to do so!

There are several effective treatment options, including oral treatments that are often combined with topical anti-fungal formulations like shampoos or ointments. Depending on your dog’s case, your vet will prescribe the best medication to handle the infection as quickly as possible.

During this time, it’s also essential that you restrict your infected pets to the least number of rooms possible to avoid cross-contamination and make sure that you clean everything thoroughly.

In case you suspect you or a family member might have ringworm due to a recent infection in one of your pets, contact your GP without delay!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Hypertension is a silent disease: Keep your cats protected!

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common sign in older cats that can be caused by several important conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can build for a long time without overt signs whilst damaging sensitive organs like the eyes or brain, sometimes permanently.

To avoid this, a blood pressure check is a frequent feature of routine appointments and nurse clinics, especially for older cats. Measuring hypertension in our feline friends is very easy, and the sooner that we catch this problem, the sooner we can treat the underlying cause, which allows us to give your pets the best chance to have long and happy lives!

Keep reading to learn more about high blood pressure in cats and how to help your own pet to avoid this silent and deadly disease.

What is feline hypertension?

Hypertension is when your cat’s blood pressure is persistently above healthy limits, and this situation can compromise several organs if it is not caught and lowered in time!

Most often, hypertension is the consequence of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, but it can be something that shows up spontaneously, and we call this primary hypertension. Regardless of the cause for persistently elevated blood pressure, the consequences are the same:

  • Damage to several structures of the eye, such as the retina, which can cause irreversible vision loss over time;
  • Seizures and other neurologic problems can happen as hypertension increases;
  • Changes to the structure and function of the kidneys and the heart, which might already be struggling due to the underlying diseases causing hypertension.

As mentioned above, blood pressure can increase progressively without any external signs, but it will start harming your cat’s internal organs as time passes.

To prevent this from happening, it’s vital for your pets to get their blood pressure measured regularly. When you come in for a routine appointment, your vet might suggest checking your cat’s blood pressure straightaway or they may schedule a specific time to get it done, so that they can be sure that your cat is relaxed and that the readings will be correct.

Because it’s most often secondary to other conditions, it can be also be an important early sign that something else might be wrong and it will help your vet investigate the underlying diseases that might be causing the blood pressure to rise.

Can my cat’s high blood pressure be treated?

Fortunately, feline hypertension can be treated! By using medication to lower blood pressure, it’s possible to help the situation and stop any more internal damage.

However, it will most often require daily treatments and regular blood pressure measurements to ensure that the medication works as it should.

With the proper treatment and monitoring, we can successfully manage high blood pressure in cats, and it might even be possible to reverse some of the related issues.

If you’re struggling to control your cat’s hypertension or haven’t been to a routine appointment in a while, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet!

Keep this in mind:

  • Feline hypertension is common and is likely to show up in middle-aged to elderly cats; 
  • As it is often a consequence of serious underlying diseases like hypertension or kidney disease, bringing you cat for regular routine appointments helps your vet to diagnose any problems sooner rather than later! 
  • It’s vital to treat high blood pressure as it can seriously damage sensitive organs and cause issues such as blindness, seizures or cardiac problems; 
  • If your cat hasn’t had his or her blood pressure measured in a while, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your vet!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses