Comparison of forelimb and hindlimb systolic blood pressures and proteinuria in healthy Shetland Sheepdogs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of systemic hypertension (SHT) in Shetland Sheepdogs has not been reported. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: SHT is common in Shetland Sheepdogs and positively correlated with proteinuria. Measurements of forelimb and hindlimb systolic arterial pressure (SAP) are comparable. ANIMALS: Seventy-two clinically healthy, client-owned Shetland Sheepdogs. METHODS: Forelimb and hindlimb SAP were recorded by Doppler ultrasonography. Proteinuria was quantified by urine dipstick, microalbuminuria, and protein:creatinine ratio (UPC). The relationship of UPC, anxiety, age, weight, and heart rate with forelimb SAP was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean forelimb and hindlimb SAP were 132&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;20 and 118&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;20&#xa0;mmHg, respectively. The SAP exceeded 160&#xa0;mmHg in 9 dogs, suggesting 13% prevalence of SHT. Four dogs had a UPC above 0.5; 2 of these had forelimb SAP exceeding 160&#xa0;mmHg. Correlation of forelimb and hindlimb SAP was poor (r(2) &#xa0;=&#xa0;0.09; P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.011). Bland-Altman plots revealed substantial bias (-14&#xa0;mmHg) between limb measurements with clinically unacceptable 95% limits of agreement (-60 to 33&#xa0;mmHg). There was no correlation between forelimb SAP and UPC (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.06) or anxiety level (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.49). Age (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;.0001) and heart rate (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.038) were significant predictors of forelimb SAP; weight (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;.73) was not. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of SHT was 13% and not correlated with proteinuria. Forelimb and hindlimb SAP were poorly correlated; therefore, trends in an individual animal should be monitored using the same measurement site. Additionally, values for Doppler SAP were determined in Shetland Sheepdogs.