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Published on: May 26, 2022
Systemic hypertension and its management
1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Insights
Hypertension in dogs and cats can cause target organ damage. Monitoring blood pressure and administering antihypertensive medication are crucial for managing this condition in pets.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant health concern in domestic animals.
- Clinical signs often indicate target organ damage, particularly in the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
- Several underlying conditions predispose animals to hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of hypertension in dogs and cats.
- To outline methods for monitoring blood pressure in these animals.
- To describe the signs and treatment strategies for hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on canine and feline hypertension.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria and monitoring techniques.
- Analysis of clinical signs and treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Hypertension leads to damage in ophthalmic, renal, and cardiovascular tissues.
- Specific conditions warranting blood pressure measurement include renal disease, hyperthyroidism, and cardiac hypertrophy.
- Treatment is recommended for cats with blood pressure >170/100 mmHg and dogs with blood pressure >180/100 mmHg.
Conclusions:
- Early detection and management of hypertension are vital for preventing target organ damage in dogs and cats.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended for at-risk animals.
- Antihypertensive therapy should be initiated based on established pressure thresholds.
Abstract:
The pathophysiology of hypertension in dogs and cats, the methods available to monitor blood pressure, and the signs and treatment of hypertension are reviewed. Clinical signs of hypertension are usually referable to target organ damage, most notably in ophthalmic, renal, and cardiovascular tissues, which have a rich arteriolar supply. Blood pressure should be measured in any animal with renal disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, retinal detachment or hemorrhage, hyphema, or echocardiographically determined cardiac hypertrophy. All cats with acquired cardiac murmur should also be evaluated for hypertension. Antihypertensive medication should be administered if the indirect blood pressure in cats is consistently over 170/100 mmHg, or if the indirect blood pressure in dogs is greater than 180/100 mmHg.
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