Blood pressure measurement determines the pressure in the blood vessels. It consists of two values, the systolic (higher) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart contracts to pump blood out of the heart. As soon as the heart muscle relaxes and blood flows back in, the diastolic blood pressure is measured.
Blood pressure measurement is used for the early detection and monitoring of various underlying conditions, such as heart, kidney, or hormonal disorders. In cats in particular, but also in dogs, blood pressure measurement is a quick and painless procedure for diagnosing low blood pressure (hypotension) or high blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure can also provide additional information about vital functions during anesthesia monitoring.
In animals, blood pressure is similar to that in humans. Systolic blood pressure in dogs and cats is between 110-140 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure is between 60-80 mmHg. In horses, the average systolic blood pressure is 110-120 mmHg, while the average diastolic blood pressure is 70-80 mmHg.
A basic distinction is made between invasive and non-invasive measurement methods.
Blood pressure measurement in animals is mainly performed non-invasively and on awake patients. For this purpose, a blood pressure cuff is placed either on the forelimb or at the base of the tail. The cuff is inflated so that the blood flow is briefly interrupted. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly reduced so that the blood flows back. The manometer (pressure gauge) connected to the cuff then displays the pressure.
Although invasive blood pressure measurement is the most accurate method, it is only used in emergencies or during difficult operations due to the more difficult procedure and the associated stress and pain. In this procedure, the arterial blood pressure is measured via a catheter inserted into an artery (blood vessel coming from the heart).
What lies behind this almost unpronounceable name? Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a hereditary, incurable metabolic disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas, whose bloodlines all trace back to the Quarter Horse stallion "Impressive."
Gastroenterology is the branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This also includes the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Hypothyroidism, medically known as hypothyroidism, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs. It mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs, with Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and Beagles being particularly susceptible.
An ECG is a measuring device used to diagnose heart disease. It measures the electrical impulses emitted by the heart's activity.
The bit attached to the bridle transmits your rein aids to your horse and is therefore a central link in rider-horse communication. As the horse's mouth is a particularly sensitive area, it is important that the bit suits you both. Choosing the right bit depends on the level of training of the rider and horse, the type of riding, the anatomy of the horse's mouth, the temperament and also the preferences of the horse.
Similar to humans, dogs of middle to advanced age can also develop a sugar metabolism disorder. Canine diabetes is the second most common hormone-related disease in dogs. The first noticeable symptoms are increased thirst and increased urination. If diabetes is detected early, the disease can be well controlled with lifelong insulin therapy. However, certain emergencies can also occur in the context of diabetes, requiring immediate veterinary treatment.
It's not always easy to keep track of everything in our human world that could be harmful to our four-legged friends. Often, we don't even see how quickly Fido has stuck his head in the trash can and hurt himself by eating onion scraps. But it's not just food that poses a danger; the wrong toys can cause problems, as can drinking from a puddle at the edge of a field.
Hip dysplasia, better known as HD, is a very common skeletal disorder in dogs. It is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint that occurs primarily in large breeds and affects up to half of all dogs of a breed.
Elbow joint dysplasia describes a complex of hereditary developmental disorders of the elbow joint. It occurs primarily in fast-growing large dog breeds during the growth phase and leads to varying degrees of lameness.
Tumors of the oral cavity can occur in both dogs and cats. In dogs, about half of these tumors are malignant, while in cats, unfortunately, up to 90% are malignant. Due to the poor visibility of the oral cavity, these tumors are often detected at a very late stage.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is the most common oral disease in dogs. By the age of five, more than three quarters of all dogs have periodontitis. If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences for the entire body.
Although this condition is often colloquially referred to as a stroke in dogs due to its similar symptoms, it is not a circulatory disorder of the brain as in humans, but rather a disorder of the balance organ located in the inner ear of dogs.
