Telmisartan is commonly used to treat which two conditions in senior dogs with CKD?

• A. ACE inhibitors
• B. Angiotensin receptor blockers
• C. Beta blockers
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (B)

Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker used in senior dogs with CKD to treat two common problems: hypertension and proteinuria. By blocking the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II, it prevents vasoconstriction and aldosterone-mediated sodium retention. This lowers systemic blood pressure and reduces fluid retention. In the kidneys, angiotensin II normally constricts the efferent arteriole, raising glomerular pressure and promoting protein leakage. Blocking the receptor decreases this pressure and reduces proteinuria, which helps slow CKD progression. This mechanism is different from ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the enzyme that creates angiotensin II. So telmisartan’s role in CKD centers on lowering blood pressure and reducing protein loss in the urine.