LOW BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPOTENSION) IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Low blood pressure often results from dehydration, blood loss, Addison’s disease, severe infection, or shock. It is an emergency when symptomatic.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mild dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
MEDICAL
• Addison’s disease
• Severe kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Endocrine shock states
• Severe GI disease
EMERGENCY
• Sepsis
• Internal bleeding
• Shock from trauma
• Addisonian crisis
RED FLAGS
• Collapse
• Pale gums
• Cold limbs
• Weak pulse
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Water access
• Keep warm
Not a substitute for emergency care.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Electrolytes
• Blood pressure
• Shock evaluation
• CBC
• Heart monitoring
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Addison’s
• Shock
• Heart disease
• Internal bleeding
RISK FACTORS
• Pets with endocrine disease
• Senior pets
• Pets with chronic GI issues
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Immediately: any signs
• Urgent: weakness or lethargy
EXPECTED RECOVERY
Dependent on underlying cause; severe cases require hospitalization.
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Untreated hypotension accelerates organ decline and shortens lifespan.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Excellent for chronic low BP or early Addison’s risk profiles.