It has been called the silent killer. High blood pressure causes organ damage and the most susceptible organs include the eyes, the heart and the kidneys. Cats especially suffer from blood pressure abnormalities. Causes of high blood pressure includes diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, cushings disease, heart disease and essential hypertension where no cause is found. Measuring blood pressure in animals has been difficult and inaccurate due to movement issues. This has been resolved using computer generated impulses that record each pressure pulse in a blood pressure measurement allowing for operator and computer elimination of inaccuracies. Blood pressure should be measured in all animals at least 1-2 x a year. And in sick animals a variable amount of times per day depending on the condition. For routine screening of animals for blood pressure issues a nurses consultation is booked at reception. The animal’s blood pressure is recorded and abnormalities are reported to a veterinarian who will decide on the most appropriate course of action with you. This course of action may lead to the early diagnosis of some of the life threatening diseases already mentioned. An early diagnosis if acted upon will in most cases lead to more successful and often less costly therapy.News supplied by Hilton Veterinary Hospital.