Arterial Hypertension (Systemic High Blood Pressure) in Dogs

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: General/Whole body
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Arterial hypertension in dogs, also known as systemic high blood pressure, is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. This condition can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

The most important facts at a glance

Arterial hypertension in dogs is caused by the disruption of the regulation of cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. Primary hypertension is rare and occurs without an identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension is more common and is caused by underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or diabetes mellitus. Symptoms can range from Restlessness and Panting to more serious signs such as retinal detachment or Erblinden. Diagnosis is made by measuring blood pressure in a stress-free environment, as well as blood and urine tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment aims to treat the underlying disease, but may also include the administration of antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. A low-salt diet and weight loss can also help. The prognosis depends on the cause and timely diagnosis, with untreated hypertension potentially leading to complications. Preventive measures focus on avoiding underlying diseases through regular veterinary examinations, a balanced diet, and a healthy body weight. Research into arterial hypertension in dogs is investigating risk factors, genetic predispositions, and the optimization of treatment methods to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

Causes

Arterial blood pressure is regulated by the interaction of cardiac output, vascular resistance, and blood volume. In dogs as well as in humans, a certain amount of blood pressure is necessary to supply the body with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher value and occurs when the heart pumps blood into the arteries; diastolic pressure is the lower value, which indicates the pressure between heartbeats.

Normally, blood pressure is kept in balance by various mechanisms in the body. These include the nervous system, hormonal controls, and kidney function. If one of these control mechanisms is disturbed, it can lead to a permanent increase in blood pressure.

The causes of arterial hypertension in dogs can be primary or secondary. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, occurs without an identifiable cause and is rare in dogs. Secondary hypertension, which is the result of an underlying disease, is more common.

The most common causes of secondary hypertension in dogs include chronic kidney disease, endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Certain medications and a diet that is too high in salt can also increase blood pressure. In some cases, Overweight can also contribute to high blood pressure.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of arterial hypertension in dogs are often non-specific and can be easily overlooked. Often, owners only notice symptoms when complications have already occurred. Possible symptoms include increased Lethargy, Respiratory distress, nosebleeds, and Behavioral changes, such as sudden Aggressiveness or confusion.

Other symptoms may include decreased vision or even Blindness, as the increased pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina of the eyes. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as Krampfanfälle can occur if the increased blood pressure affects the brain vessels.

Since the symptoms are varied and can also indicate other diseases, a thorough diagnostic evaluation by a veterinarian is necessary.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of arterial hypertension in dogs is primarily made by measuring blood pressure. This measurement should take place in a quiet environment, as stress can distort blood pressure. There are special blood pressure monitors for animals that allow gentle and accurate measurement.

To ensure a diagnosis, several measurements on different days are often necessary. A single elevated value can be caused by stress or excitement and does not necessarily indicate chronic hypertension.

In addition to blood pressure measurement, the veterinarian will usually perform blood and urine tests to identify possible underlying causes such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders. An ultrasound examination of the kidneys or an EKG can also be helpful to support the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.

Therapy

The treatment of arterial hypertension in dogs depends on the underlying cause. If an underlying disease such as kidney disease or a hormonal imbalance is responsible, this is treated primarily. In many cases, this can lead to a normalization of blood pressure.

If a specific cause cannot be identified or if the hypertension persists despite treatment of the underlying disease, antihypertensive drugs are used. These include ACE inhibitors, which dilate blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure, and calcium channel blockers, which reduce muscle tension in the vessel walls.

In addition to drug treatment, dietary adjustments can be helpful. A low-salt diet can have a positive effect on blood pressure. In some cases, weight loss in overweight dogs can also have a positive effect on blood pressure.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with arterial hypertension depends heavily on the underlying cause and timely diagnosis. If an underlying disease can be treated successfully, the prognosis is often good. In chronic diseases that are not completely curable, long-term treatment may be necessary to control blood pressure and avoid complications.

If left untreated, arterial hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart, kidney, and eye damage. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good quality of life for the affected dog.

Prevention

Since primary hypertension is rare in dogs, prevention measures focus primarily on avoiding and controlling underlying diseases that can cause secondary hypertension. Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to detect and treat diseases such as kidney problems or endocrine disorders early.

A balanced diet and a healthy body weight can also help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. A low-salt diet and regular exercise are important factors in keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.

For dogs who already suffer from diseases that increase the risk of high blood pressure, regular monitoring of blood pressure by the veterinarian is advisable in order to intervene early.

Outlook on current research

Research into arterial hypertension in dogs has become increasingly important in recent years, as this disease often goes unrecognized and can have serious health consequences. The focus of current studies is on identifying risk factors and genetic predispositions that make dogs more susceptible to high blood pressure. Scientists are also investigating the effects of high blood pressure on various organ systems, particularly the kidneys, heart, and eyes, to improve understanding of disease progression.

A number of studies are currently testing the effectiveness of various drug treatments, including the use of ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and other antihypertensive drugs commonly used in human medicine. Researchers are trying to find out which drugs are most effective and how they can best be integrated into treatment protocols. Optimizing dosage and minimizing side effects are also central topics of ongoing research.

Another promising area of research is the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods. Currently, blood pressure in dogs is often measured with inflatable cuffs, which can be stressful and distort the measurement results. New technologies and procedures could enable more accurate and less stressful measurements for the animal in the future. In addition, research is being conducted into how regular blood pressure measurements can be integrated into routine examinations to promote early detection of the disease.

Genetic research also offers interesting opportunities to understand the susceptibility of certain breeds to high blood pressure. By identifying genetic markers and changes, targeted breeding programs could be developed in the future that reduce the risk of inheritance of this disease. Some studies also deal with epigenetic factors that influence gene expression and may contribute to the development of high blood pressure.

In summary, research into arterial hypertension in dogs aims to improve both diagnosis and treatment. Through a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new technologies, significant progress could be made in the coming years that could significantly improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. What is arterial hypertension in dogs? Arterial hypertension in dogs, also called systemic high blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the dog’s arteries is chronically elevated. This can lead to damage to important organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes.

  2. What symptoms does a dog with high blood pressure show? Symptoms can be non-specific and often include increased drinking and urination, nosebleeds, Behavioral changes, Visual disturbances, or even seizures. Often, however, high blood pressure goes unnoticed for a long time because the symptoms can be subtle.

  3. How is high blood pressure diagnosed in dogs? The diagnosis is usually made by repeated blood pressure measurements. An inflatable cuff is used, similar to that used in humans. An accurate diagnosis often requires multiple measurements to account for stress and other factors.

  4. What causes arterial hypertension in dogs? High blood pressure in dogs can occur primarily, without an underlying disease, or secondarily as a result of another disease such as kidney disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or diabetes mellitus.

  5. Can high blood pressure be treated in dogs? Yes, high blood pressure can usually be treated with a combination of drug therapy and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of organ damage.

  6. What medications are used to treat high blood pressure in dogs? Commonly used medications include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers. The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause and the individual health condition of the dog.

  7. Are there specific breeds that are more susceptible to high blood pressure? Some breeds may be genetically more susceptible to high blood pressure, although this is still the subject of research. Older dogs are generally believed to be at higher risk, as are those with a family history of high blood pressure or chronic diseases.

  8. How often should a dog’s blood pressure be measured? In dogs who are at increased risk or have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, regular blood pressure checks should be part of routine veterinary care. The veterinarian can determine the frequency of measurements based on the dog’s health condition.

  9. Can high blood pressure affect a dog’s life expectancy? Yes, untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems that can significantly shorten a dog’s life expectancy. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

  10. What can I do to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in my dog? A balanced diet, regular exercise, and controlling Overweight are important measures to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, regular veterinary examinations should be carried out to detect and treat health problems early.

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