As we strive to provide the best care for your pets we
continue to incorporate medical, surgical, and technical advances. Recently, we
have integrated blood pressure measuring for dogs and cats. Now that we have
the capability to monitor your pet’s blood pressure, this will be a part of
routine pet care and it will also help us to better monitor those patients at
higher risk for hyper- (high) and hypo- (low) tension.
In cats, hypertension is commonly secondary to chronic
kidney disease and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). Kidney
disease and hyperthyroidism are two are of the most common diseases in cats and
often occur hand-in-hand. In dogs, it is commonly secondary to chronic kidney
and Cushing’s disease (adrenal gland dysfunction).
Uncontrolled hypertension can result in several
problems including sudden blindness and heart failure. Since hypertension is
common and can cause severe symptoms, it is best to PREVENT these problems
(especially blindness or heart failure) by routinely measuring your pet's blood
pressure and addressing it at the first signs of elevation.
You may be wondering how we go about measuring your
pet’s blood pressure? We being by shaving a small patch of fur off the bottom
of your pet’s paw. Next, a small cuff is gently wrapped around one of your
pet’s limbs. As a sensor is held against the shaved area on the paw, air is
pumped into the cuff (very similar to what you have done at your own doctor’s
office). As the air is slowly released from the cuff, the technician will read
the measurement shown on the blood pressure dial. In order to get a reliable
reading, we repeat these steps anywhere from six to ten times. The procedure is
pain free and is preformed while your pet is comfortable and relaxed.
If you think your pet may be at risk for hyper- or
hypo-tension, please give us a call to discuss blood pressure monitoring. Maple Knoll Veterinary Clinic is committed to
living up to the highest standards in veterinary medicine and we are excited to
continue to incorporate new medical advances to ensure the health and happiness
your pets.
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