Blood Pressure Monitoring

Clayton Animal Hospital is fortunate to have a
variety of monitors to assess blood pressure.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is common in
patients with kidney disease, Cushing's Syndrome
and diabetes. In cats, it may cause retinal
detachment and blindness. In both dogs and cats,
hypertension causes kidney damage. Medications
such as amlodipine are often effective in
controlling hypertension. Hypotension (low blood
pressure) may be seen in trauma cases, heart
failure and anesthesia. Rapid detection and
therapy may be lifesaving.

Perhaps the most valuable role of blood pressure
devices is in monitoring anesthesia. Monitoring
blood pressure allows for more precise
adjustment of anesthetic gas levels to maintain
safe, yet effective anesthesia, thereby preventing
breakthrough pain.