Blood Pressure

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.