Flowerbelle has high blood pressure and early asthma. The cause is most likely damage done from a severe lung worm infection when she was rescued nine years ago combined with a severe herpes infection. There is no indication of any other problems organ-wise. The arteries in her lungs look like she has heartworm, but she doesn't. Well - she's been tested several times, so it's unlikely. We may have her tested again, as the test only checks for adult worms, and that takes about six months. But she's indoor only, and we have screens. Our main bugs inside are spiders, sometimes flies or moths. I'm not aware of mosquitos in here, and Gary's really the mosquito magnet.
She was diagnosed with arthritis in her hips last Thursday.
Anyway, it turns out glucosamine and chondroitin are contra-indicated for both asthma and high blood pressure, so those are out.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/2...s-of-glucosamine-chondroitin-hyaluronic-acid/
Kitties with arthritis have done very well on oral hyaluronic acid. :nod: But it appears it is also contra-indicated for hypertension.
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/Sardi.html
http://www.plasmetic.com/skin/antiaging/facts-about-oral-hyaluronic-acid-supplements.html
In people with hypertension it is suggested that if hyaluronic acid is used, it should be followed with "an excess of water intake." Whatever THAT means. I don't know how to translate that into giving it to a cat that's on medication for high blood pressure.
I'm upset because it was one of our VETS that suggested putting her on glucosamine, chondroitin, and HA for the arthritis. She is currently also on 1.25mg (VERY low dose) of prednisolone (Flowerbelle does only weigh 7 pounds, 6 ounces). This theoretically will help with her asthma and the arthritis, but even pred is contra-indicated for high blood pressure. Theoretically this dose is low enough to help and not hurt. :cross:
Just wondering if anyone has experience with managing arthritis in a cat with high blood pressure or heart disease. I want to slow the progression of the arthritis, but I'm not sure what I can do that won't complicate the other health issues she faces.
She was diagnosed with arthritis in her hips last Thursday.
Anyway, it turns out glucosamine and chondroitin are contra-indicated for both asthma and high blood pressure, so those are out.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/2...s-of-glucosamine-chondroitin-hyaluronic-acid/
Kitties with arthritis have done very well on oral hyaluronic acid. :nod: But it appears it is also contra-indicated for hypertension.
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/Sardi.html
http://www.plasmetic.com/skin/antiaging/facts-about-oral-hyaluronic-acid-supplements.html
In people with hypertension it is suggested that if hyaluronic acid is used, it should be followed with "an excess of water intake." Whatever THAT means. I don't know how to translate that into giving it to a cat that's on medication for high blood pressure.
I'm upset because it was one of our VETS that suggested putting her on glucosamine, chondroitin, and HA for the arthritis. She is currently also on 1.25mg (VERY low dose) of prednisolone (Flowerbelle does only weigh 7 pounds, 6 ounces). This theoretically will help with her asthma and the arthritis, but even pred is contra-indicated for high blood pressure. Theoretically this dose is low enough to help and not hurt. :cross:
Just wondering if anyone has experience with managing arthritis in a cat with high blood pressure or heart disease. I want to slow the progression of the arthritis, but I'm not sure what I can do that won't complicate the other health issues she faces.