Comparison of Forelimb and Hindlimb Systolic Blood Pressures and Proteinuria in Healthy Shetland Sheepdogs

Abstract

BackgroundThe 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.AnimalsSeventy‐two clinically healthy, client‐owned Shetland Sheepdogs.MethodsForelimb 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.ResultsThe mean forelimb and hindlimb SAP were 132 ± 20 and 118 ± 20 mmHg, respectively. The SAP exceeded 160 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 mmHg. Correlation of forelimb and hindlimb SAP was poor (r 2 = 0.09; P = .011). Bland–Altman plots revealed substantial bias (−14 mmHg) between limb measurements with clinically unacceptable 95% limits of agreement (−60 to 33 mmHg). There was no correlation between forelimb SAP and UPC (P = .06) or anxiety level (P = .49). Age (P < .0001) and heart rate (P = .038) were significant predictors of forelimb SAP; weight (P = .73) was not.ConclusionsPrevalence 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.