In human medicine, high blood pressure is called the silent killer and therefore it is evaluated as part of a routine check up during office visits. Similarly in pets, high blood pressure is identified by screening with a non-invasive device called a Doppler blood pressure monitor, which can be done in a home setting. Chronic renal failure, glomerular disease, feline hypertension, diabetes mellitus and Cushing's disease are among the more common illnesses leading to hypertension. If a pet has one of the above conditions, it is important to monitor their blood pressure. High blood pressure can easily be overlooked in pets, especially senior dogs and cats, and could lead to sudden blindness, further progression of renal disease and embolism (the formation of tiny blood clots that form when blood flow is abnormal).