High blood pressure, or hypertension, in dogs occurs when the dog's arterial blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Sometimes the condition occurs on its own but can also be a result of another disease. Common symptoms include cardiovascular, ocular and neurological abnormalities. While many symptoms can be seen with the naked eye, the signs are often subtle and require veterinary diagnosis. The disease is manageable with diet and medication.
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Definition and Types
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Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the dog's arterial blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Sometimes hypertension occurs as a result of another disease. In this case, it is called secondary hypertension. When hypertension itself is the disease, it's called primary hypertension.
Causes
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The exact cause of primary hypertension is unknown. Matings between dogs with hypertension have produced offspring with hypertension so it appears genetics could play a large role. Secondary hypertension is more common than primary hypertension and can develop in connection with renal disease, hormone changes and, in rare instances, diabetes.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of hypertension in dogs vary from case to case. There are ocular, cardiovascular and neurological signs. Ocular signs involve the eyes and can include blindness, dilated pupils, hemorrhage of the eye, and detached retinas. Hemorrhaging and retinal detachment can be detected by a veterinarian. Cardiovascular symptoms include a heart murmur, lethargy, weakness and respiratory difficulty or coughing. If the dog has a heart murmur, a veterinarian can detect it upon physical examination. Some dogs will have neurological signs such as seizures or appearing disoriented and walking in circles. Other symptoms related to the central nervous system can be incontinence, lameness, weakness on one side of the body or lack of coordination.
It is important to note that these clinical signs can be subtle so regular veterinary check ups are a good course of action to catch abnormalities before they become severe.
Diagnosis
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To determine if hypertension is a problem, the veterinarian will measure the dog's blood pressure to see if it falls within normal levels. This is usually done in the same way as human blood pressure is measured. Sometimes several readings will be needed if the animal is anxious from being in the vet's office.
Treatment
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Treatment for hypertension varies depending on the type of hypertension and its severity. If the hypertension is secondary, the underlying cause will be treated first. For the treatment of hypertension itself, sometimes diet modifications can be enough to return blood pressure to normal levels. Typically the dog will be prescribed a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker and be on medication indefinitely. Regular blood pressure check ups will be necessary to be sure the course of treatment remains effective.
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