High blood pressure in dogs is a problem that many owners tend to be careless about, not thinking it is dangerous. This is because the severity of this condition does not occur suddenly in the dog's life. Instead, the damage will gradually occur to various organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. If high blood pressure remains for a long time, it can cause various complications in many systems. Although this condition is most commonly found in older or overweight dogs, we as owners should not be complacent. Let's understand this disease to prevent the dangers that can be fatal to our dogs.
Hypertension in dogs It occurs when a dog has persistently high blood pressure in its arteries. The cause may be due to the dog having high blood pressure directly through genetics, or due to another disease that causes high blood pressure. When a dog has this condition for a long time, it usually affects various systems in the dog's body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system, etc.
Causes of high blood pressure in dogs
The exact cause of high blood pressure in dogs is unknown, but it has been observed that if the parents have high blood pressure, there is a chance that the offspring will also have high blood pressure. Therefore, it is possible that:It may be partly genetic.
Most dogs with high blood pressure live between 2 and 14 years of age, and approximately 80% dogs were found to have secondary hypertension, which is a condition in which blood pressure is elevated over a long period of time and is caused by a disease or disorder caused by certain medications or exposure to certain toxins (source: VPN magazine), such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, and hyperthyroidism.
Diabetes is also a contributing factor to high blood pressure, although it is rare in dogs. Therefore, you may want to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs
- whip
- Walk in circles
- Dizziness
- blind
- The pupils are dilated.
- Retinal detachment
- There is bleeding in the eye.
- Blood in urine
- Protein found in urine
- Found blood flowing from the nose
- The kidneys are swollen or shrunken.
- Abnormal heart sounds
- Weakness, which may affect one side of the body or may affect the legs.
- There is eye rolling.
- When the thyroid gland is palpated, it is enlarged.
Diagnosis
There are two methods of measuring blood pressure in dogs.
1. Measurement of blood pressure from within the arteries (Invasion Blood Pressure)
The measurement involves inserting a device into the dog's artery. This method is typically used on high-risk, sick dogs, as it is more accurate. It is often performed on dogs undergoing surgery or in critically ill conditions that require close monitoring.
2. External blood pressure measurement (Non-invasion Blood Pressure)
The method of measuring blood pressure is similar to the familiar method for humans, but it is a device specifically for pets. First, the dog must be kept still, because if the dog is excited or scared, it will affect the blood pressure value. This step may require bringing the dog to a quiet room and letting the dog get used to the place and strangers, such as a veterinarian or medical assistant, for at least 15-60 minutes before measuring. Sometimes, the owner may need to help hold and comfort the dog so that it does not become frightened. The veterinarian will then begin to feel for a pulse (it may be below the front leg joint near the paw). Once the sound is located, a cuff of the appropriate size will be placed around the dog's leg, similar to wrapping around a human arm. Wait to read the blood pressure value. Repeat the measurement 3-5 times for the most accurate result.
The standard blood pressure in dogs is:
- 150/95 or lower is the least risky and does not require treatment.
- 150/99 to 150/95 should be re-measured.
- 160/119 to 179/100 should be treated to reduce the risk of organ loss.
- 180/120 should be treated urgently to reduce the severity of complications.
Treatment
Treatment of high blood pressure in dogs: Veterinarians recommend:Treat the underlying cause of the high blood pressure first, otherwise your dog will have to take blood pressure medication indefinitely. A complete cure depends on the underlying disease. If the underlying cause of the disease cannot be addressed, there is a chance that some of our pets may need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of their lives.
In addition, your veterinarian will recommend a low-sodium diet for your dog and treat any underlying health conditions. If your dog is overweight, you should gradually reduce their weight. And if any family has a dog that is entering middle age, they should take their dog for a health check and blood pressure measurement at an animal hospital to prevent dangers that could be fatal to the little ones.
Dr. Ornya Praphanphot (Dr. Nun), veterinarian at Talingchan Animal Hospital
Guidelines for the Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Systemic Hypertension in Dogs and Cats J Vet Intern Med 2007;21:542–558
PetMD. High Blood Pressure in Dogs. https://bit.ly/3QZjUJU
Home and garden. High blood pressure in pets. https://bit.ly/3pNKNEG
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