Arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension is persistent high blood pressure. The condition is also referred to as hypertension. Typically, arterial hypertension is seen in elderly animals. In dogs, 120-140 mm of mercury column is considered normal pressure, higher values indicate the presence of arterial hypertension.

With chronically high blood pressure, the circulatory system rapidly deteriorates, the condition of the blood vessels deteriorates, and ruptures are not uncommon. Arterial hypertension can lead to multiple complications and cause other diseases. For example, with multiple damage to the capillaries of the kidneys, the latter cease to clean the blood from harmful substances, which naturally leads to severe health disorders. In addition to the kidneys, in arterial hypertension, the work of the liver and brain is disturbed.

Without proper medical care, hypertension develops in many elderly dogs. This condition of the circulatory system worsens the quality of life of the animal and affects its duration.

Causes

The exact cause of hypertension is unknown. In some animals, including dogs, there is a noticeable correlation between the presence of arterial hypertension and heredity. Individuals that suffer from this problem have an increased likelihood of having offspring that are predisposed to it. Congenital hypertension occurs at all ages, but is most common in older animals. Thus, according to various estimates, between one and ten per cent of all dogs in the world suffer from this problem, most of them in the elderly.

Secondary hypertension is more widespread. In dogs, more than 80 per cent of all cases of arterial hypertension are of the secondary variety. Various diseases and other factors can cause secondary hypertension. In dogs, arterial hypertension most often develops due to kidney disease and hormonal disorders. The risks of hypertension are high if the dog suffers from hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Fortunately, the second disease is rare in dogs.

Symptoms of arterial hypertension

In most animals, arterial hypertension is accompanied by the following symptoms:

visual impairment;

traces of protein in the urine;

dilated pupils;

haemorrhage of the eyes;

retinal detachment;

strange behaviour;

problems with spatial orientation;

regular nosebleeds;

weakness;

trembling in the paws;

heart murmurs;

and more.

Treatment of arterial hypertension

As mentioned above, primary hypertension is quite rare, so in most cases the pet needs to be treated for some other condition that is the cause of secondary hypertension. Hypertension proper is most often treated with two agents:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ramipril - this medication is usually prescribed for dogs, and for cats as a maintenance medication to control blood pressure;
Amlodipine - prescribed predominantly to cats.

As a rule, the treatment of hypertension involves a certain diet. For each type of animal there are special recommendations. So, dogs can not consume food rich in sodium. The diet for the animal should be determined by the attending veterinarian.