Which test is routinely used to screen for hypertension in dogs with chronic kidney disease?

• A. Invasive arterial blood pressure measurement under anesthesia
• B. Noninvasive systolic blood pressure measurement
• C. Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio
• D. CT angiography

Answer: (B)

The test used routinely to screen for hypertension in dogs with chronic kidney disease is noninvasive measurement of systolic blood pressure. This approach is safe, quick, and practical for regular screening without anesthesia, making it ideal for monitoring risk of hypertension over time in CKD patients. Using validated devices (oscillometric or Doppler) with proper technique—calm awake dog, appropriate cuff size, body at heart level, and multiple readings averaged over separate occasions—provides reliable detection of elevated blood pressure that can guide early management. Invasive arterial BP measurement under anesthesia is more accurate but not suitable for routine screening due to the need for arterial catheterization and anesthesia. The other options assess kidney damage or vascular anatomy, not blood pressure, and thus aren’t used to screen for hypertension.