These hemorrhages are not visible without a complete eye examination. Many times, clients aren't even aware of a problem due to hypertension in their dogs. In both dogs and cats, kidney disease is the most common cause of systemic hypertension. Because kidney disease can cause hypertension and hypertension can cause kidney disease, many different parameters and blood tests must be evaluated. The above systemic conditions should be ruled out and medication needs to be staarted.
Medication is usually a tablet given by mouth once or twice daily.
For cats who are difficult to give tablets to, the medication can be prepared in a fish or chicken flavored base and given as a liquid. Once medication is begun and once the blood pressure is stabilized in the normal range, the blood tests must be repeated to assess what happens to the kidneys and other body organs when the blood pressure is lowered. As in people, blood pressure medication must be continued for the life of the pet. Blood pressure evaluation is very necessary in older dogs and cats. Early detection and treatment can help prevent blinding and fatal complications such as stroke.