Signs & Symptoms of Hypertension in Dogs

Hypertension (high blood pressure) in dogs may result in unexpected blindness, kidney disease or a life-threatening embolism, according to MarvistaVet.com. As the pressure mounts in the blood vessels, small ruptures may occur and localized bleeding is the outcome. Hypertension may be a secondary disorder of another medical condition, such as diabetes, renal failure or hyperthyroidism or it may develop as a result of excess growth hormones or red blood cells.

  1. Routine screening

    • Frequently, the first sign that something is amiss is found by a blood pressure check on dogs that have a separate medical disorder. Unlike humans, a dog's blood pressure uses only one number, the systolic measurement of the force of the blood through the dog's veins. A veterinarian may use the dog's lower paw or his tail to check for signs of hypertension.

    Age

    • As dogs get older, their chance of developing hypertension increases, especially if they have one of the above medical conditions or they have a history of protein in the urine, Cushing's disease or a tumor of the adrenalin gland.

    Vision

    • Unfortunately, hypertension may go undetected until the dog suffers a problem from the rupture of tiny vessels. When bleeding occurs near the dog's retina, he may suffer partial or complete blindness in that eye or exhibit other eye problems. Quick medical intervention may help the dog regain some of his vision.

    Kidneys

    • Although kidney disease may contribute to the development of hypertension in a dog, the opposite is also true. Up to 93 percent of dogs suffering from renal failure may also have high blood pressure. Because the kidneys depend upon the blood vessels to filter toxins, a kidney disorder may progress rapidly if hypertension is not controlled. Lumpy kidneys may be present.

    Stroke

    • Veterinarian Ron Hines, of 2ndChance.info, reports that small blood clots as a result of brain blood vessels (stroke) may result in damage to the brain.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian may exam your dog's eyes and take his blood pressure if he suspects hypertension. Since the disease has few outright symptoms, dog owners must be aware of the secondary conditions that elevate their dog's risk of developing the disorder.