Professional paper

Prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in cats

Nina Kukoč ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia *
Marin Torti ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Plichta ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension is characterized by elevated systolic blood pressure values above 160 mmHg, predominantly affecting cats older than nine years. Common primary causes include hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, hyperaldosteronism, and pheochromocytoma. Regardless of etiology, hypertension causes target organ damage involving the kidneys, heart, and eyes. This retrospective study analyzed clinical data from fourteen cats over a 16-month period. Initially, cats underwent ophthalmological examination with fundoscopy to determine the degree of retinopathy. Afterwards, they were referred for internal medical evaluation with an emphasis on measuring systemic blood pressure. Upon confirmation of systemic hypertension, antihypertensive therapy was prescribed alongside ongoing ophthalmological monitoring of retinal changes. The mean initially measured systolic blood pressure was 247.6 mmHg. Cats aged 16 years were most commonly admitted. Blindness was the most noticeable manifestation of the disease, predominating in female cats. Vision recovery was observed in almost one-third of blind cats, and severe hypertensive retinopathy was confirmed in all patients.

Keywords

systemic hypertension; cat; systolic pressure; fundoscopy; hypertensive retinopathy

Hrčak ID:

353265

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353265

Publication date:

1.10.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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