Pet Blood Pressure Monitoring & Hypertension Management
Expert Blood Pressure Monitoring for Cats and Dogs
At Old Farm Veterinary Hospital, we understand the vital importance of monitoring your pet’s health, especially when it comes to conditions that often go unnoticed until they become serious, like hypertension. Just as in humans, elevated blood pressure in pets can lead to significant health issues if not detected and managed early. Our skilled veterinary team is here to provide thorough and accurate blood pressure monitoring for both cats and dogs.
Why Monitor Blood Pressure in Pets?
Monitoring blood pressure is crucial for understanding your pet’s cardiovascular health. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in older pets but can also affect younger animals due to underlying health issues like kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
Undetected high blood pressure can lead to severe complications, including:
- Kidney damage
- Heart disease
- Vision loss
- Neurological issues
Since pets can’t tell us how they feel, these changes often go unnoticed. That’s why regular monitoring is the best way to catch hypertension early and begin an effective treatment plan.
How Do We Measure Blood Pressure in Pets?
- Cuff Placement
A small cuff is placed on the limb or tail, and our experienced veterinary technicians work patiently to help your pet stay calm and relaxed.
- Reading Process
We use Doppler or oscillometric methods, depending on what is most appropriate for your pet’s size and temperament.
- Results Interpretation
Our veterinarians will interpret the results and, if hypertension is indicated, discuss potential treatment options or additional diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause.
Understanding Hypertension in Pets
Hypertension in pets can be primary (meaning it has no known cause) or secondary (resulting from other health conditions). Common conditions that may lead to high blood pressure in pets include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (in cats), and Cushing’s disease (in dogs).
The symptoms of hypertension in pets are often subtle or even absent in early stages, but signs may include:
- Sudden vision loss
- Disorientation or behavioral changes
- Increased thirst and urination
- Nosebleeds or other unusual bleeding
If your pet is showing any of these signs, our veterinarians are ready to help assess their health and provide tailored recommendations for management and treatment.
Blood Pressure Monitoring & Treatment at Old Farm Veterinary Hospital
Our approach ensures that your pet receives an accurate diagnosis and the best care for managing hypertension. If high blood pressure is detected, our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and medication to help control blood pressure and protect your pet’s health.
Early diagnosis and proactive management are the best ways to prevent the complications of high blood pressure in pets. Contact Old Farm Veterinary Hospital today to schedule a blood pressure check for your pet.
