Amodip

Amodip is a tasty chewable tablet that is given to cats with systemic hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

Hypertension in Cats

High blood pressure is commonly seen in cats and is known as a 'silent killer': it can have serious consequences for your cat's health without you noticing. Hypertension is often a result of an age-related disease such as chronic kidney disease or a overactive thyroid and therefore mainly occurs in older cats. An adrenal gland tumor can also cause hypertension. Sometimes no cause for the high blood pressure is found. A cat with high blood pressure may have headaches, which can manifest as lethargy, hiding, reduced interaction, or not wanting to be touched. Additionally, a cat with hypertension can become blind, suffer a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Until these problems occur, you usually do not notice anything about your cat, except for possible symptoms related to the underlying condition.

The Treatment of Hypertension in Cats

Fortunately, there is good medication available for high blood pressure in cats, such as Amodip, Semintra 10 mg/ml and for mild cases or as combination therapy sometimes (also) Fortekor. Regular blood pressure monitoring is important so that the dosage can be adjusted if necessary.

Of course, any underlying conditions must be treated. Cats with chronic kidney disease greatly benefit from a renal diet. Sometimes, a diet alone is not enough to sufficiently lower phosphate levels and uremic toxins (waste products that are normally excreted by the kidneys and now make your cat feel sick) in the blood. In that case, a supplement that binds these substances, such as Ipakitine, Porus One, or Pronefra, can be added to the food. Kidney patients can also lose potassium through the kidneys, causing blood levels to become too low. A recognizable symptom of low potassium levels is muscle weakness, which often manifests as holding the head and neck down. Tumil-K, a dietary supplement with extra potassium, can correct this deficiency.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, medication such as Felimazole or Thiamacare can inhibit the thyroid gland. For heart problems, sometimes diuretics are advised to remove fluid that accumulates in the abdomen, chest, or lungs. Hypertension is generally well treatable, but it must be detected in time. The condition of your cat can also change during treatment with Amodip, so it is wise to have your older cat regularly checked by your veterinarian.

If you have any questions about Amodip or hypertension in cats, please contact us.