High Blood Pressure Treatment
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension or HTN, is a medical condition wherein the pressure in somebody’s arteries is elevated. This can happen to any animal, including cats and dogs. While short-term hypertension isn’t usually dangerous, long-term high blood pressure can indicate a more serious heart disorder. Stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral vascular disease are common health conditions associated with high blood pressure. Our Staten Island veterinarians can help you determine if your pet has high blood pressure and help you with a treatment plan.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is often asymptomatic, with many being unaware that they have developed the condition. If somebody’s hypertension becomes severe enough, they may start to exhibit symptoms such as headaches, lightheadedness, fainting, vertigo, and a hearing buzzing noise throughout the day. Because animals are unable to verbally express symptoms, it may be more difficult to detect high blood pressure within pets. The best way to prevent hypertension is to have your pet visit a veterinarian for a health checkup.
If you experience a fast heart rate, a stronger appetite, tremors, palpitations, sweatiness, and paleness, then you may have secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is a high blood pressure results from an identifiable cause. Primary hypertension occurs from a complex interaction of genetics and the environment.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Obesity, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, endocrine disease, chronic renal disease, polycythemia, acromegaly, and adrenal tumors are common causes of hypertension in pets. Certain pet breeds tend to be more susceptible to high blood pressure than others. For instance, poodles and dachshunds tend to be more at risk of developing high blood pressure due to Cushing’s disease. Overweight animals can develop hypertension more easily, so a good way to prevent this condition is to keep your pet in good shape through healthy diet and exercise.
The Health Risks of High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a high-risk factor for premature death for any animal. With a high blood pressure, cats and dogs are at a higher risk of suffering from stroke, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, aortic aneurysms, pulmonary embolisms, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, and other serious health concerns.
Contact Our Staten Island Veterinarian for Pet Hypertension Treatment
If you want your pet to live a long and healthy life, visit the Animal Health Veterinary Group, an animal health center located in the Staten Island area. We can investigate and treat a wide variety of pet illnesses such as chronic hypertension. If you are interested in combating your pet’s high blood pressure with the Animal Health Veterinary Group, give us a call at 718-285-8530 for more information.
