Canine Systemic Hypertension Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Systemic hypertension is defined as a sustained elevation in systemic arterial blood pressure that increases the risk of target organ damage (TOD). In dogs, systemic hypertension is predominantly a secondary condition, occurring as a consequence of an underlying disease process. Unlike humans, primary (idiopathic or essential) hypertension is rare in dogs, accounting for less than 20% of cases.

The most vulnerable organ systems affected by sustained hypertension include the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. Target organ damage can lead to devastating consequences including acute blindness, progressive renal injury, left ventricular hypertrophy, and neurological dysfunction. The rationale for treating hypertension is to minimize or prevent these injuries.

Understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of canine hypertension is essential for the NAVLE, as it frequently appears in clinical scenario questions involving geriatric dogs with concurrent endocrine or renal disease.