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Spontaneous systemic hypertension in dogs: five cases (1981-1983)
M P Littman1, J L Robertson, K C Bovée
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|August 15, 1988
Summary
Spontaneous hypertension in dogs can cause blindness. Underlying kidney and adrenal diseases were often the cause, requiring medication beyond sodium restriction for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Spontaneous systemic hypertension is uncommon in dogs.
- Hypertension can lead to serious complications like blindness due to ocular issues.
Observation:
- Five male dogs presented with blindness from intraocular hemorrhage or retinal detachment.
- Systemic hypertension was diagnosed in all five dogs.
Findings:
- Four dogs had secondary hypertension linked to renal disease (glomerulonephropathy, renal insufficiency, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, immune-mediated glomerulonephritis) and/or adrenal gland abnormalities (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia, adrenocortical adenoma with renal amyloidosis).
- Four dogs exhibited compensatory cardiac hypertrophy.
- The fifth dog was diagnosed with essential hypertension.
- Sodium restriction alone was insufficient; four dogs required antihypertensive medications.
Implications:
- This study highlights the importance of investigating secondary causes of hypertension in dogs presenting with ocular disease.
- Management requires addressing the primary underlying condition and often necessitates pharmacologic intervention.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible complications like blindness.