Hypertension Questions

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Mia and Sped

Mia and Sped

Member Since 2021
Hi all,

Firstly, good news. Sped is in remission for his diabetes! His numbers have looked great for a few weeks now and he has been checked out by the vet multiple times (fructosamine as such).

However, I am concerned about hypertension. At Sped's last vet visit a few days ago, they noticed his BP was "slightly high" (I don't have the numbers at the moment since I was not the one to take him). They noted that the veins in his eyes seemed enlarged because of this. They said his vision was "ok" but not perfect. They prescribed 2.5mg of Amlodipine once daily. I have been doing this.

Sped has been acting lethargic and strange. Before he started the medicine he was highly active, happy, eating well, etc. The past two days he has seemed out of sorts. I'm concerned that the Amlodipine is hurting him. I have read that missing a dose can cause a spike in blood pressure and even blindness. Sped can definitely see, he will track a laser pointer. However, he has been sniffing more often like he might not recognize who is interacting with at first.

Honestly, my initial reaction is that he doesn't need to Amlodipine since his BP was "slightly high" when he was most likely stressed at the vet. I'm afraid to stop the Amlodipine in the case that it spikes his BP and causes complications. I'm afraid to continue the Amlodipine if he doesn't need it.

I'd appreciate any insight and help, thanks.

(Right after posting this I got him to chase a toy around for a bit)
 
Last edited:
Mia and Sped said:
Hi all,

Firstly, good news. Sped is in remission for his diabetes! His numbers have looked great for a few weeks now and he has been checked out by the vet multiple times (fructosamine as such).

However, I am concerned about hypertension. At Sped's last vet visit a few days ago, they noticed his BP was "slightly high" (I don't have the numbers at the moment since I was not the one to take him). They noted that the veins in his eyes seemed enlarged because of this. They said his vision was "ok" but not perfect. They prescribed 2.5mg of Amlodipine once daily. I have been doing this.

Sped has been acting lethargic and strange. Before he started the medicine he was highly active, happy, eating well, etc. The past two days he has seemed out of sorts. I'm concerned that the Amlodipine is hurting him. I have read that missing a dose can cause a spike in blood pressure and even blindness. Sped can definitely see, he will track a laser pointer. However, he has been sniffing more often like he might not recognize who is interacting with at first.

Honestly, my initial reaction is that he doesn't need to Amlodipine since his BP was "slightly high" when he was most likely stressed at the vet. I'm afraid to stop the Amlodipine in the case that it spikes his BP and causes complications. I'm afraid to continue the Amlodipine if he doesn't need it.

I'd appreciate any insight and help, thanks.

(Right after posting this I got him to chase a toy around for a bit)
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@FrostD
 
If you are concerned I would go back to the vet and talk to him. Tell him your concerns and ask what the reading was when the medication was prescribed. I would also ask for the BP to be taken again to see how it is going.
 
My vet would take bp first thing at the vet to try to avoid other stressors from making it spike even more during the visit, so agree with others that a second reading is a good idea, along with doing it as soon as they can at the visit.

Also, hyperthyroidism can increase bp, and is common in kitties over 7. I would want to make sure that was checked too. It’s an add-on test so wouldn’t necessarily be checked on routine bloodwork. Hope your kitty feels better soon!
 
That seems like a lot. My non diabetic cat has HBP her blood pressure was pretty high and she takes amlodipine granted she's a small cat at 8lbs but she takes a QUARTER of a 2.5mg tablet once a day! I forget her actual number but it was pretty high. One of the things when she first stared they told us to watch for was her being really spacy and lethargic and they told us to bring her in and call immediately if that happened. If you're unsure I'd follow up and a whole 2.5 mg just does not seem right to me as far as a dose but hey - what do I know but I'd ask questions about that.
 
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