One Health

​For those dedicated to canine neurology and stroke research, the correlation between systemic hypertension and neurological events is a critical area of focus.

​Often referred to as a silent condition, canine hypertension is frequently secondary to underlying issues such as chronic kidney disease or metabolic disorders. Because it often presents without clinical signs until damage is significant, proactive screening is the only way to prevent severe target-organ damage, including strokes.

​Why Early Detection Matters

​Current research highlights that systemic hypertension is a primary risk factor for damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain (Acierno et al., 2018). Clinical evidence shows a strong connection between elevated blood pressure and acute neurological presentations (Arnold et al., 2020; Kent et al., 2014). For senior and geriatric dogs, routine monitoring is a vital neuroprotective strategy.

​By establishing a baseline and monitoring changes, we can intervene before a hypertensive crisis leads to permanent neurologic impairment (Beeston et al., 2022; Marynissen et al., 2023).

​Provided by The Canine Stroke Foundation

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Jordan Davis
Founder
The Canine Stroke Foundation
KY
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Thank you @Jordan Davis for sharing this important reminder. Canine hypertension is a strong example of why preventive veterinary care and early screening matter, especially for senior and geriatric dogs.

From a One Health perspective, hypertension is also a major public health issue for people. CDC/NCHS data show that nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, and prevalence increases significantly with age. Like in dogs, high blood pressure in people is often "silent" until it contributes to serious target-organ damage, including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems.

This connection reinforces how important routine screening, early detection, caregiver awareness, and access to care are across species. Monitoring blood pressure can help identify concerns before they become a crisis and gives both veterinary and human health teams the opportunity to support earlier intervention.

Human hypertension facts from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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