Canine Chagas Disease
"Some days I'm a cat wrangler. Some days I get to snuggle puppies. Other days I console sad owners that just received bad news. On a day like today, I am able to give owners peace of mind in knowing that a heart murmur is not going to impact their pets life. Every day is a different day. " -Shannah P., Team Leader, Austin Shoal Creek, Texas
Nicole T., Veterinary Assistant at CVCA Vienna, Virginia, with patient (Pre-COVID)September 2020
Ori D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT
Blood pressure in small animal patients is important to monitor, as it is commonly overlooked until target organ damage has already occurred. The organs most commonly affected by high blood pressure include the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain. High blood pressure in dogs and cats is most often due to other systemic disease such as kidney disease, Cushing's disease, or hyperthyroidism. It is important to include blood pressure readings during examinations, especially in patients with signs of target organ damage, animals diagnosed with the common underlying causes of systemic hypertension, and geriatric patients (over 8 years of age). Blood pressure is a product of cardiac output and systemic peripheral resistance. The relationship between the kidneys, autonomic nervous system, and endothelial intercellular messaging systems all contribute to a patient's blood pressure.
We’ve all seen the news stories or social media posts about extreme animal cruelty. The horrible photos that depict emaciated animals, unsanitary hoarding or living conditions, or civilians breaking car windows for pets in the middle of summer are never fun to see. It’s unpleasant to watch and can make any animal lover upset enough to want to do something, but what can you do when it comes to preventing animal cruelty?
Just like humans, our pet dogs and cats can develop high blood pressure, or systemic hypertension. However, unlike us, most cases of high blood pressure in pets is the result of some other disease or condition.
April 2020
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