Blood pressure measurement

What it involves

We measure arterial blood pressure using the Doppler or oscillometric method: a small cuff is placed on a leg or the tail, and a sensor records the blood flow in the artery. We take several measurements and average the result, because the first readings in the consulting room are usually raised by stress. That is why we carry out the test in a quiet room, after a few minutes of settling in, often with the owner present.

In animals, high blood pressure is rarely a disease in its own right; most often it accompanies chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, diabetes, Cushing’s disease and some tumours. Left untreated, it damages the eyes (sudden blindness from retinal detachment), kidneys, heart and brain. Measurement lets us detect it earlier and choose treatment, and we also check how well that treatment works by measuring.

We also measure it the other way round: in patients in shock, in dehydrated patients and during anaesthesia, where blood pressure that is too low is one of the main risks (monitoring according to STD-02).

When it is used

In every cat over 9–10 years of age once a year; in animals with kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes or heart disease at every check-up; for sudden problems with vision, nosebleeds, seizures or a change in behaviour in a senior; and before and during treatment with drugs that affect blood pressure.

Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit

• An old cat has suddenly stopped seeing, bumps into furniture and has widely dilated pupils.
• A cat has been diagnosed with kidney failure or hyperthyroidism.
• A dog has diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome.
• The animal has had a nosebleed with no injury, or blood in the eye.
• A senior animal has started behaving strangely or walking in circles, or has had a seizure.
• A vet noticed changes at the back of the eye during an eye examination.

Conditions for which we use it in particular

Diagnostics beforehand

The measurement needs no preparation. The less stress before the test, the more reliable the result, so please bring your pet in a carrier covered with a blanket. If hypertension is detected, we look for the cause: blood tests with assessment of the kidneys and thyroid, a urine test, an abdominal ultrasound and, if there are changes in the heart, echocardiography. We also check the back of the eye.

How it proceeds

Aftercare

Give the drugs every day, without breaks. Follow-up measurements are every 1–3 months once blood pressure has stabilised, and more often at the start of treatment. Call immediately if the animal suddenly sees less well, has dilated pupils, has a nosebleed or has seizures. Sudden blindness from hypertension is partly reversible only if blood pressure is lowered quickly.

Frequently asked questions