Blood Pressure Measurement in Dogs

Blood pressure in dogs can be below normal or elevated for a variety of reasons. The occurrence of hypertension (high blood pressure) can be a very serious problem and should not be underestimated. Primary hypertension, (or high blood pressure as a disease in itself) which accounts for the majority of cases in humans, is very rare in dogs. Secondary hypertension, which develops in conjunction with some other disease process, is common. Two diseases that can cause high blood pressure are kidney disease and diabetes.

Since it is unclear at what stage of disease the high blood pressure occurs, routine rechecks are indicated.

High blood pressure can cause many problems, especially in the blood vessels, causing blockage, leakage, as well as changes to the retinas in the eyes and bleeding in the central nervous system. The heart has undue stress placed upon it. In dogs that also have heart problems, the added strain could lead to heart failure. In dogs with kidney disease, high blood pressure can cause the disease to progress to kidney failure.

Hypotension, or low blood pressure can occur with trauma, heart failure, shock and anesthesia. Certain medications can also cause low blood pressure. Hypotension can be a serious problem. Low blood pressure leads to less oxygen-rich blood reaching the vital organs. This can result in organ failure. Kidney failure is a major complication of hypotension.