Highland Park Pet Blood Pressure VeterinaryHighland Park Pet Blood Pressure Veterinary

Accurate blood pressure measurement in a veterinary clinic can be a challenge.  Based on the pet and age, and the current state will help us determine what type of blood pressure method to use.  The oscillometric and Doppler-ultrasonic methods are commonly used to indirectly measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
Blood volume, constriction or dilation of the arteries, and heart rate all have an effect on blood pressure.  In humans, blood pressure is measured as Systolic pressure and Diastolic pressure.  But in pets, we typically only measure the systolic pressure.  The ability to measure and monitor blood pressure trends provides important data about your pet’s cardiovascular status and may help define what treatment approach.

 

Highland Park Dog Blood Pressure VeterinaryHighland Park Dog Blood Pressure Veterinary

Some pets are obviously nervous at the vet’s office and this factor must be taken into account when reading blood pressure. It is possible for a pet to have high blood pressure at the vet’s office and normal pressure at all other times.  At least five measurements are taken so that the pet becomes accustomed to the process and understands that no pain is involved.

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the dog’s arterial blood pressure is continually higher than normal. When it is caused by another disease, it is called secondary hypertension.  Hypertension may affect many of the dog’s body systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and the nervous system.

Highland Park Cat Blood Pressure VeterinaryHighland Park Cat Blood Pressure Veterinary

Systemic hypertension can affect both dogs and cats.  Some of the more common symptoms displayed by dogs or cats with high blood pressure:

  • Seizures
  • Circling
  • Disorientation
  • Blindness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Retinal detachment
  • Hemorrhage of the eye
  • Blood in the urine
  • Protein in the urine
  • Bleeding from the nose
  • Swollen or shrunken kidneys
  • Heart murmurs
  • Weakness, either on one side of the body or in the legs
  • Involuntary oscillation (rolling) of the eyeballs
  • Palpable thyroid gland (when hyperthyroid)