In order to determine prevalence and severity of systemic hypertension in dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) along with identifying potential risk factors, this retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated medical records from 66 client owned dogs.

Diagnostics evaluated included systolic blood pressure using Dopplar ultrasonography, clinical signs, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry and electrolytes, urinalysis urine culture, and adrenal function tests.

Systemic hypertension was found in 82% of dogs, and severe systemic hypertension in 46% percent of dogs. Every dog with increased platelets also had systemic hypertension, while dogs with concurrent diabetes mellitus seemed to have a reduced risk of systemic hypertension

In dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism, systemic hypertension is common and frequently severe. Monitoring blood pressure is essential in these dogs, especially if high platelets, protein in the urine or low blood potassium concentrations are present.

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Risk and prevalence of systemic hypertension in canine spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism