Hypertension and renal function.

The presence of hypertension in domestic animals is poorly described. Values for hypertension were established in dogs using a direct blood pressure measurement. A protocol was devised to recognize and characterize primary (essential) and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension was associated with marked elevations in blood pressure and can be shown to be a hereditary disease in dogs. Secondary hypertension is more common and most frequently associated with Cushing's disease and renal failure. Treatment to reduce blood pressure in both groups can be achieved using pharmacologic agents which are more effective than sodium restriction alone. Hypertension appears to be an underdiagnosed disease in dogs. The significance of chronic hypertension in dogs in terms of vascular pathology is not yet clear.