Skip to content

Corazón

Arterial hypertension

Persistently high blood pressure. In dogs and cats it is almost always secondary to another disease. It damages "target" organs: the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.

Severe🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • Often without obvious symptoms (the "silent killer")
  • Sudden blindness (from retinal detachment)
  • Bleeding inside the eye
  • Lethargy, disorientation
  • Signs of the underlying disease

Causes

Almost always secondary: chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (cats), Cushing's disease, diabetes, heart problems. It is rarely primary.

Diagnosis

Measurement of blood pressure with a specific device. It is done routinely in senior animals and in those with predisposing diseases.

Treatment

Antihypertensive medication plus treatment of the underlying disease. Controlling the pressure protects vision and the kidneys.

Prevention

Measure blood pressure at check-ups for older animals and those with at-risk conditions (kidney, thyroid, etc.).

When should you see the vet?

URGENT if there is sudden blindness. Routinely, ask for your senior pet's blood pressure to be measured, or for a pet with kidney/thyroid disease.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.