An uncommon yet quite serious form of pulmonary hypertension, previously thought only to occur in humans, has been discovered to affect dogs as well, according to researchers at the Michigan State University.

An uncommon yet quite serious form of pulmonary hypertension, previously thought only to occur in humans, has been discovered to affect dogs as well, according to researchers at the Michigan State University. 
Kurt Williams, lead author of the study, said, "Our research is the first to document the existence of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, or PVOD, in dogs. PVOD is considered one of the most severe forms of pulmonary hypertension." 
Pulmonary hypertension occurs due to the presence of abnormal blood vessels in the lungs. This makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood and provide oxy