Blood Pressure Assessment & Monitoring with our Duarte Veterinarian
At Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital, our Duarte veterinarian team, led by Dr. Rahim Zabihi, cares deeply about maximizing the health, quality of life, and longevity of every animal that walks through our door. One of the less understood conditions we diagnose and treat in both dogs and cats is high blood pressure.
What is the Problem with High Blood Pressure in Dogs?
In humans, high blood pressure is known as the "silent killer." In dogs, high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—can also be seriously problematic and potentially life threatening if left untreated.
High blood pressure essentially means that the pressure within a dog's arteries is higher than normal. This typically means that the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which can strain the heart over time. Canine high blood pressure can also lead to issues with other organs and bodily systems, including the lungs, kidneys, eyes, and central nervous system.
What are the Signs of High Blood Pressure in Dogs?
Warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure often do not show up until a while after the condition has already developed. If present, they may include:
- Blindness
- Blood in the urine
- Circling
- Dilated pupils
- Disorientation
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Heart murmurs
- Involuntary rolling of the eyeballs
- Nose bleeds
- Protein in the urine
- Retinal detachment
- Seizures
- Swollen or shrunken kidneys
- Weakness, either on one side of the body or in the legs
As you can imagine, these signs can be pretty scary. If you suspect anything is wrong with your beloved canine, be sure to bring him into our Duarte and Azusa veterinarian team as soon as possible. We can confirm a diagnosis by testing your dog's blood pressure (a normal systolic, or arterial, the number is around 110-130 mmHg).
If My Dog Has High Blood Pressure, What are My Treatment Options?
If your dog has high blood pressure, his treatment will partially depend on what's causing the condition. If it's primary hypertension (a stand alone condition), medication will be needed, likely indefinitely, to help regulate your dog's blood pressure.
If it's secondary hypertension (increased blood pressure that's caused by another underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal dysfunction, or hyperthyroidism), then the related health condition must be treated alongside the high blood pressure itself.
Worried that your dog's blood pressure may be off? Don't hesitate. Call the Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital today at 626-357-2251 to schedule an appointment!