High blood pressure

Causes of high blood pressure in dogs

High blood pressure in dogs can have various causes. Some dogs have primary hypertension, which means that there is no recognizable underlying disease causing the high blood pressure. However, this is rather rare. Secondary hypertension is more common, meaning that the high blood pressure is a result of another disease or factor. The most common causes of secondary hypertension in dogs include

• Kidney disease: The kidneys are responsible for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. When kidney function is impaired, fluid can build up in the body and increase blood pressure. The kidneys can also release hormones that increase blood pressure.
• Endocrine diseases: These are diseases that affect the hormonal system. These include diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome or hyperthyroidism, for example. These diseases can affect the metabolism and blood sugar levels and lead to an increased release of stress hormones, which increase blood pressure.
• Cardiovascular diseases: These are diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. These include, for example, heart muscle weakness, heart valve defects or narrowing of the arteries. These diseases can reduce the heart's pumping capacity or increase the resistance in the blood vessels and thus increase blood pressure.
• Medication: Some medications can increase blood pressure as a side effect. These include, for example, cortisone preparations, painkillers or appetite suppressants. If your dog is on such medication, you should have their blood pressure checked regularly.
• Overweight: Being overweight can lead to increased strain on the cardiovascular system and increase blood pressure. Being overweight can also lead to insulin resistance, which in turn leads to increased blood sugar levels and increased stress hormone levels.
• Stress: Stress can lead to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure. Stress can be triggered by various factors, such as noise, fear or pain.

Symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs

High blood pressure in dogs can go unnoticed for a long time, as it often does not cause any specific symptoms. Only when the blood pressure is very high or when it leads to organ damage can signs become noticeable. Possible symptoms of high blood pressure in dogs include

• Headaches: your dog may suffer from headaches, which can be manifested by restlessness, yowling or increased scratching of the head.
• Visual disturbances: High blood pressure can cause damage to the retina, which is responsible for vision. This can lead to reduced visual acuity, loss of peripheral vision or even blindness. Your dog may suffer from impaired vision, which can manifest as stumbling, bumping or disorientation.
• Nosebleeds: High blood pressure can cause rupture of small blood vessels in the nose, which can lead to a nosebleed. Your dog may suffer from nosebleeds, which can be manifested by traces of blood in the nose, mouth or on the floor.
• Fainting: High blood pressure can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, which can result in fainting. Your dog may suffer from fainting, which can be manifested by a sudden loss of consciousness, collapse or trembling.
• Heart palpitations: The high blood pressure can lead to an overload of the heart, which can lead to an increased heart rate. Your dog may suffer from palpitations, which can be manifested by a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Respiratory distress: The high blood pressure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can lead to respiratory distress. Your dog may suffer from respiratory distress, which can be manifested by rapid or labored breathing, wheezing or coughing.

Diagnosis of high blood pressure in dogs

To diagnose high blood pressure in dogs, the vet must measure the blood pressure. To do this, a cuff is placed around the dog's front leg and connected to a device that measures the pressure in the arteries. The measurement should be repeated several times to determine an average value. The vet should also take into account other factors that can affect blood pressure, such as stress, excitement or medication.

Normal blood pressure in dogs is between 120 and 140 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) for the systolic value (the higher value) and between 60 and 80 mmHg for the diastolic value (the lower value). If the systolic value is above 160 mmHg or the diastolic value is above 100 mmHg, this is known as high blood pressure.

In addition to measuring the blood pressure, the vet should also carry out a physical examination and look for possible symptoms or causes of high blood pressure. This includes, for example, an examination of the eyes, heart and lungs. The vet should also carry out a blood test and a urine test to assess the condition of the kidneys and other organs.

Treatment of high blood pressure in dogs

The treatment of high blood pressure in dogs depends on the severity and cause of the high blood pressure. In some cases, it is sufficient to treat the underlying disease causing the high blood pressure. For example, kidney disease can be treated with a special diet, fluid therapy or medication. Endocrine disorders can be treated with hormone supplements or other medications. Cardiovascular diseases can be treated with medications that improve heart function or dilate blood vessels.