Species: Dog
Condition: Essential Hypertension
Organ System: Cardiovascular
Essential or primary hypertension is defined as a higher than normal blood pressure (>150/95 mmHg) that does not result from an underlying disease. The exact cause is not known but it is a result of an imbalance in the relationship between cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. Dogs with mild hypertension may have no signs that are visible to the owner. Hypertension affects the heart (hypertrophy of the left ventricle muscle), the blood vessels (increases the risk of rupture of small blood vessels and atherosclerosis development), eyes (blindness), and the CNS. If the CNS is affected, the dog exhibits head tilt, ataxia, depression, disorientation, and seizures; this is an emergency and the prognosis is guarded. Treatment involves the use of antihypertensive drugs.
Breeds exposed to Essential Hypertension – Research Reference
Boxer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boxer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Essential Hypertension or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
