What is hypertension and does it matter?

Hypertension occurs when blood pressure is increased above the normal range. Some animals have higher pressures than others, just as some are taller. What matters is when blood pressure is consistently high enough to cause damage, eg to the eyes, the kidneys, the heart or the brain (as a result of strokes).
 
 

Do dogs or cats get hypertension?

They do, especially cats. Most hypertension in cats or dogs results from an underlying cause - often kidney disease in cats.
 
 

How is blood pressure measured?

What is essential about hypertension in any species is that it is measured properly - not just a single reading. In animals, as for humans, we use an inflatable cuff. We take a series of six readings and average the last five (the first measurement is usually inaccurate). We use a machine designed for people but validated for use in dogs (DINAMAP) - it is automatic and does not need anyone to listen for sounds with a stethoscope. The cuff is placed on the tail, because it gives the best readings.
 
 

What is normal?

It depends on the breed and age. Blood pressure rises with age in cats and dogs, and probably also with excess dietary salt intake. There are three different arterial blood pressures we can measure: peak (systolic), trough (diastolic) and the time-adjust average (mean). Bitches have lower pressures and males, neutered animals have an intermediate reading. In dogs the average for all breeds is 133/76 (systolic/diastolic) - ranging from 108/60 at 6 months of age, to 153/92 at 15 years. Breed averages range from 109/67 average age 4) in Labradors to 147/82 in Deerhounds of the same average age.
 
 

Do dogs get hypertension with kidney disease?

It is widely believed that they do - as do human patients and many cats. In fact most dogs with kidney disease do not get hypertension, or at least only slightly. So dogs with kidney disease should not be treated for hypertension unless there is real evidence that they are suffering from it.
 
 

Is there more we need to know about hypertension in dogs and cats?

Yes very much more. The Animal Health Trust’s Centre for Small Animal Studies is the leading investigations centre for hypertension in dogs and cats.