Ocular Lesions Associated with Systemic Hypertension in Dogs

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to characterize ocular findings and underlying diseases associated with systemic hypertension in dogs.

Materials and methods

One hundred eleven medical records from dogs with systemic arterial hypertension (systolic blood pressure readings taken with a Doppler device were equal to or higher than 180 mmHg) diagnosed and treated at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1990 to 2007 were reviewed.

Results

Thirty-nine dogs of various breeds with no statistical breed or sex predilection were included in the study population. In those dogs, a complete ophthalmic examination including tonometry, slitlamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed at the time of or within 2 months of the diagnosis of hypertension. Seventy-nine percent of the dogs (31/39) were over 8 years of age. Seventy-four percent (29/39) showed ocular changes consistent with hypertensive retinopathy. Ocular findings included tortuous vessels, focal intraretinal or diffuse hemorrhages, hyphema or vitreal hemorrhages, and bullous or complete retinal detachments. Bilateral lesions were found in 18 dogs and unilateral lesions in six dogs. Classification was not possible in five dogs. The most common underlying diseases in dogs with ocular lesions and hypertension were renal failure (10/29), hyperadrenocorticism (7/29), and renal failure with hyperadrenocorticism (3/29). Other diseases associated with hypertension included pheochro- mocytoma, diabetes mellitus, and mitral regurgitation. No underlying disease was found in one dog.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Ocular lesions in dogs with hypertension are probably more common than previously suspected. All dogs diagnosed with systemic hypertension should receive an ocular examination. Renal failure and hyperadrenocorticism are commonly associated with systemic hypertension in dogs.

Keywords: canine, ocular lesions systemic hypertension dogs, hypertensive retinopathy dogs, dog hypertension eye disease, systemic hypertension canine ophthalmology, retinal detachment dogs hypertension, hypertensive ocular changes dogs, renal failure hypertension dogs, hyperadrenocorticism hypertension dogs, dog eye hemorrhage hypertension, ocular examination hypertensive dogs