Essential hereditary hypertension in dogs: a new animal model

The objective of this project is to characterize a genetically determined model of essential hypertension in dogs. A pair of unrelated dogs with essential hypertension were identified. Breeding of these dogs and back-cross matings have resulted in 24 offspring, approximately half of which have essential hypertension (systolic blood pressure 170 mmHg, diastolic 105 mmHg). Other offspring are either borderline hypertensive or normal. Blood pressure is measured in the trained, unanaesthetized state by direct arterial puncture. Offspring have normal plasma chemistries, electrolytes, glomerular filtration rate, plasma renin activity, aldosterone and catecholamines. These dogs appear to salt-sensitive compared with normal dogs. Further breeding studies will characterize this new model of hereditary essential hypertension.