Dear Pressed: You are very observant to notice such a difference between dog exams and human check-ups. High blood pressure or hypertension, just like in humans, can be a serious condition without outward symptoms. Long-term damage to the heart, liver and kidney can occur as a result of this condition.

Recently, one of my dogs was admitted into the hospital and the vets discovered, by accident, that he had very high blood pressure with the top or systolic number at 200. The vet told me that dog blood pressure numbers should be almost equivalent to humans. For example, after they put my dog on a drug known as a “beta blocker” to address his problem, his pressure was stabilized at 108.

Shortly after my dog’s experience, I came across an article by Christine Wilford DVM, in the November 2003 issue of the AKC Gazette (which you can preview at www.akc.org or subscribe to by calling 1-800-533-7323) regarding high blood pressure in dogs. Wilford reports that the incidence of high blood pressure in the general dog population is not known. In addition, the procedure to check it isn’t as simple as with humans and may cost as much as $45. Vets and their technicians use a little cuff on the dog’s leg and another piece of equipment rather than the stethoscope to measure the results. The technique can be difficult to master thus complicating getting an accurate reading.

My dog’s vet reports that she sees differences in blood pressure from breed to breed, with sight hounds having a higher ‘normal’ rate than other breeds. In fact, currently there are no tables for breed “normals” for vets to follow. Equally challenging for vets is that there are conflicting standards for what is abnormal and what influences the readings. In addition, experts wonder how the “white coat” effect (where you go to the doctor and have a higher than normal reading because you are all nervous about being at the doctor’s in the first place) affects animals.

You should ask your vet if he has the equipment and expertise to take your dog’s blood pressure and, if so, add that check to his yearly exam. 

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

A great stocking stuffer for the dog owner is the latest book from the American Kennel Club, Our Dogs, with a foreword by Pulitzer-Prize winner author Jane Smiley and an introduction by George Berger, Publisher, of the AKC Gazette.

According to the AKC, this book is “a heartwarming tribute to our cherished canine companions.  In unforgettable images and words, OUR DOGS: A Century of Images and Words from the AKC Gazette (Ballantine Books, Hardcover; $29.95) beautifully captures the enduring bond between dogs and the owners who love them. More than 75 full-color photographs are accompanied by pieces from an astounding array of writers including Rick Bass, Breena Clarke, Roger Rosenblatt, and Doug Marlette, to name a few.  Along with top dog trainers and breeders, they pay homage to the loyalty, vitality and beauty of dogs of every breed.”

“OUR DOGS celebrates so much of what draws us to these exceptional animals: the essence and exuberance of puppy hood; the selfless ways dogs act in service to humankind, from courageous search-and-rescue missions, to giving comfort to those in hospitals and nursing homes; and the wonderful variety of canine moods and behaviors.” 

Order your copy today at www.ballantinebooks.com, the AKC Web site at www.akc.org, or at www.amazon.com.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Send questions to ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.