High Blood Pressure (hypertension) is very common in our pets, but often goes undiagnosed until it leads to life threatening emergencies. Problems from high blood pressure arise when a blood vessel gets too small for the high pressure flow going through it. Since the affected vessels are small, the bleeding may not be noticeable but a lot of little bleeds and a lot of blood vessel destruction can create big problems over time.

Your pet’s retina is especially at risk, with either sudden or gradual blindness often being the first sign of latent high blood pressure. The kidneys are also targets since they rely upon tiny vessels to filter toxins from the bloodstream. High blood pressure also increases the risk of embolism: tiny blood clots that form when blood flow is abnormal. These clots can lodge throughout your pet’s body - including the brain.

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Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye. Cells inside the eye produce a clear fluid (”aqueous humor”) that maintains the eye’s shape and nourishes the tissues inside the eye. The balance of fluid production and drainage is responsible for maintaining normal pressure within the eye. In glaucoma, the drain becomes clogged, but the eye continue producing fluid, resulting in increase eye pressure, which can actually can cause the eye to stretch and enlarge, in addition to blinding the eye. Glaucoma is not limited to humans – it can affect your pets, too!

Glaucoma is classified as either primary or secondary in animals. Primary Glaucoma is an inherited condition, occurring breeds ranging from American Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds to Chow Chows, Shar Peis, Labrador Retrievers, and Arctic Circle breeds (Huskies, Elkhounds, etc). Touhg it is rare in cats, it can occur and is usually secondary to chronic uveitis. Primary Glaucoma generally begins in one eye, but in most pets, it eventually involves both eyes, leading to complete blindness. Secondary Glaucoma occurs when other eye diseases cause decreased fluid drainage. Common causes of secondary glaucoma are inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), advanced cataracts, eye cancer and chronic retinal detachment.

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Dog health insurance is definitely a necessity nowadays if only because the cost of health maintenance of your dogs is continuously on an upward move. To care for your dog’s health has become very expensive. Dog masters have to search for pet insurance companies that work efficiently by settling the dues in a timely manner. Pet health insurance groups actually have come forward in order to settle the proper dues in a prompt manner, this after the claim verification.

As good pet owners, it is a must that you know the accredited lists of veterinary clinics and dog care hospitals. Likewise, you must have a list of veterinarians specializing in dog health care. A licensed dog doctor list must be present in all insurance companies. Many dog health insurance companies cover the cost of many medical procedures and processes such as surgeries, treatment proper of medical conditions, radiographic exam, laboratory and medical fees and many more.

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