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Severe systemic hypertension in a cat with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
A L Brown1, J A Beatty, S A Lindsay
1Valentine Charlton Cat Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|December 2, 2011
Summary
Sudden blindness in a Burmese cat was linked to severe hypertension caused by pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Surgical treatment resolved hypertension temporarily, but it recurred later due to kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Feline hyperadrenocorticism is a rare endocrine disorder.
- Systemic hypertension is a common complication of hyperadrenocorticism in cats.
- Retinal detachment can be a consequence of severe hypertension.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old Burmese cat presented with acute blindness.
- Physical examination revealed bilateral retinal detachment and severe systemic hypertension.
- Clinical investigations confirmed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Findings:
- Antihypertensive therapy was initiated, and hypertension resolved post-bilateral adrenalectomy.
- Systemic hypertension recurred 19 months later, attributed to chronic kidney disease.
- A pituitary adenoma was identified on post-mortem examination.
Implications:
- This case highlights the significant impact of hyperadrenocorticism on feline cardiovascular and ocular health.
- Early diagnosis and management of hyperadrenocorticism are crucial in preventing severe complications like blindness.
- The case underscores the complex interplay between endocrine disorders, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease in cats.
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