Indirect measurement of systemic blood pressure in conscious dogs in a clinical setting

The present study compared 2 indirect methods, Doppler sphygmomanometry and oscillometry, for measurement of the systemic blood pressure level in 100 conscious, client-owned dogs in a clinical setting on 2 separate occasions. The mean systemic blood pressure values, measured by Doppler sphygmomanometry on 2 separate occasions, were 156 +/- 38.2 mmHg and 150 +/- 34.1 mmHg, respectively. Using oscillometry, the mean systolic blood pressure values were 138 +/- 36.9 mm Hg and 133 +/- 33.5 mm Hg on 2 separate occasions. There were significant differences between the systemic blood pressure readings for both methods on the same occasion (P<0.001). The coefficients of variance from 5 consecutive measurements in the same dog obtained by Doppler sphygmomanometry on the 2 separate occasions were 4.1 +/- 3.2% and 3.1 +/- 1.7%; that of the oscillometric method on the 2 separate occasions were 18.7 +/- 11.3% and 17.2 +/- 12.5%. The coefficients of variance of these 2 methods were statistically different on each occasion (P<0.001). Five consecutive systemic blood pressure readings were obtained for each dog within 6 min on both occasions using Doppler sphygmomanometry. More than 15 min was required to complete 5 consecutive systemic blood pressure readings by oscillometric sphygmomanometry for all dogs on each occasion. The results of this study indicate that Doppler sphygmomanometry provides more efficient and precise measurements of the systemic blood pressure level than oscillometric testing in conscious dogs in a clinical setting.     

Comparison of high definition oscillometric and Doppler ultrasound devices with invasive blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs

Objective To use the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) validation criteria to evaluate the performance of high definition oscillometric (HDO) and Doppler blood pressure measurement techniques against invasive blood pressure measurements in anaesthetized dogs. Study design Prospective clinical study. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs. Materials and Methods Invasive blood pressure was measured using a catheter inserted into a pedal artery and an electronic transducer. The sites of cuff placement for the HDO measurements were the mid antebrachium or the proximal tail and, for the Doppler technique, the distal tibia. Agreement between invasive and non‐invasive blood pressure measurements was estimated by the Bland–Altman method. Results Only 10% and 34% of Doppler measurements were within 10 and 20 mmHg of invasive blood pressure values, respectively. The Doppler device failed to meet the ACVIM validation criteria for blood pressure measurement devices. The best agreement between HDO and invasive blood pressure measurement technique was observed for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP); 67% and 95% of readings were within 10 and 20 mmHg of invasive blood pressure values respectively. In addition, 52% and 87% of diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP) measurements were within 10 and 20 mmHg of invasive readings. High definition oscillometric readings did not meet ACVIM recommended limits for SAP. Conclusion and clinical relevance The Doppler technique overestimated and the HDO device showed limited agreement with invasive blood pressure measurement in anaesthetized dogs. High definition oscillometry met most of the ACVIM requirements for MAP and DAP while the Doppler technique did not.     

Effect of long-term adaptation on indirect measurements of systolic blood pressure in conscious untrained beagles

To evaluate the effect of an adaptation period on systemic blood pressure readings, systolic blood pressure was measured in 12 young adult untrained beagles over several weeks by means of a Doppler flow detector and oscillometric devices. The pressure decreased gradually and significantly, and levelled out after 14 days. The median (range) of values obtained by Doppler were 166 (149 to 200) mmHg initially, 145 (119 to 176) mmHg on day 9, 138 (118 to 165) mmHg on day 10, 127 (111 to 139) mmHg on day 35, 124 (115 to 143) mmHg on day 94 and 127 (114 to 142) mmHg on day 161. All the later measurements were significantly lower than the initial measurement. Male dogs had higher blood pressures than females on each occasion. The blood pressure readings obtained with one of the oscillometric devices and the Doppler device were comparable and correlated significantly.     

Study of arterial blood pressure in newborn foals using an electronic sphygmomanometer

An electronic sphygmomanometer which functions on oscillometric principles, was used to measure arterial blood pressure in foals. Its accuracy was assessed by comparison with results obtained by direct measurement in anaesthetised pony foals, aged 34 to 64 days. Correlations between data obtained by the two methods were highly significant but the sphygmomanometric readings were consistently lower than those obtained by direct measurement. An equation was derived from the pooled values for mean, systolic and diastolic pressure measurements. This was used as a correction factor when the oscillometric method was employed in the field on Thoroughbred foals, during the first three days post partum, and on pony foals during the first day only. There were no significant differences between systolic, diastolic and mean values in Thoroughbreds on Days 1, 2 or 3 after birth. Measurements recorded on the first day after foaling were significantly lower (P less than 0.025) in ponies than in Thoroughbreds. Blood pressure measurements in Thoroughbreds and ponies were substantially higher than those reported previously using the ultrasonic Doppler technique.     

Doppler Ultrasonographic, Oscillometric Sphygmomanometric, and Photoplethysmographic Techniques for Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement in Anesthetized Cats

Blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using 3 indirect BP measuring instruments, a Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, an oscillometric device, and a photoplethysmograph, were compared with direct arterial pressure measurements in 11 anesthetized cats. The standard deviation of the differences (SOD) between direct and indirect pressure measurements were not significantly different from each other ( P <.01), and ranged from 10.82 to 24.32 mm Hg. The high SDD values indicate that indirect BP estimates obtained with all these devices must be interpreted cautiously in individual patients. The mean errors (calculated as the sum of the differences between direct and indirect pressure measurements divided by the number of observations) of the 3 indirect devices were significantly different for systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial pressures ( P <.05). The Doppler and photoplethysmographic devices had the highest overall accuracy, as indicated by mean error values of less than 10 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients varied from .88 to .96 for the Doppler flowmeter, and from .85 to .94 for the photoplethysmograph; for both devices, the regression line slopes were close to unity. The Doppler flowmeter detected a pulse under all experimental conditions. The photoplethysmograph was also efficient in obtaining BP measurements, obtaining over 90% of SAP, DAP, and MAP readings attempted. The oscillometric device was the least accurate, with mean error values varying from 10 to 22 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients were high (.90 to .94) for this device, but the slopes of the regression lines were 0.7 to 0.8, indicating a trend for increased error at higher BP. The oscillometric device tended to underestimate BP by increasing amounts as the BP increased. The oscillometric device was the least efficient device for obtaining BP measurements ( P <.01).     

Evaluation of indirect blood pressure monitoring in awake and anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis): effects of cuff size, cuff placement, and monitoring equipment

ObjectiveTo compare Doppler and oscillometric methods of indirect arterial blood pressure (IBP) with direct arterial measurements in anesthetized and awake red-tailed hawks.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded study.AnimalsSix, sex unknown, adult red-tailed hawks.MethodsBirds were anesthetized and IBP measurements were obtained by oscillometry (IBP-O) and Doppler (IBP-D) on the pectoral and pelvic limbs using three cuffs of different width based on limb circumference: cuff 1 (20–30% of circumference), cuff 2 (30–40%), and cuff 3 (40–50%). Direct arterial pressure measurements were obtained from the contralateral superficial ulnar artery. Indirect blood pressure measurements were compared to direct systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during normotension and induced states of hypotension and hypertension. Measurements were also obtained in awake, restrained birds. Three-way anova, linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were used to evaluate the IBP-D data. Results are reported as mean bias (95% confidence intervals).ResultsThe IBP-O monitor reported errors during 54% of the measurements. Indirect blood pressure Doppler measurements were most accurate with cuff 3 and were comparable to MAP with a bias of 2 (?9, 13 mmHg). However, this cuff consistently underestimated SAP with a bias of 33 (19, 48 mmHg). Variability in the readings within and among birds was high. There was no significant difference between sites of cuff placement. Awake birds had SAP, MAP and diastolic arterial pressure that were 56, 43, and 38 mmHg higher than anesthetized birds.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIndirect blood pressure (oscillometric) measurements were unreliable in red-tailed hawks. Indirect blood pressure (Doppler) measurements were closer to MAP measurements than SAP measurements. There was slightly better agreement with the use of cuff 3 on either the pectoral or pelvic limbs. Awake, restrained birds have significantly higher arterial pressures than those under sevoflurane anesthesia.     

A clinical evaluation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor on anesthetized horses

The accuracy of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor (Vet/BP 6000, Sensor Devices, Inc., Waukesha, WI) was assessed in 13 anesthetized horses undergoing a variety of clinical procedures. The oscillometric blood pressure measurements using a cuff placed around the base of the tail were compared to simultaneously recorded direct pressure readings. One hundred nine sets of blood pressure measurements were recorded. In addition the pulse rates, as determined by digital palpation and oscillometric measurement, the time required for an oscillometric measurement, and the number of attempts required by the oscillometric unit were recorded. The average difference between the direct and oscillometric blood pressures were 18, 9, and 11 mmHg for the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, respectively. The oscillometric and direct pressure measurements showed significant correlation with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 for the mean arterial pressure. The oscillometrically determined pulse rate (average-33 pulses/min) was significantly different than the pulse rate determined by palpation (average-33.4 pulses/minute) but the difference was less than one. The average time required for a determination was 69 seconds and the average number of attempts required was 1.02 per determination.     

Blood pressure assessment in healthy cats and cats with hypertensive retinopathy

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there was an association between hypertensive retinopathy and high systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures in cats. ANIMALS: 181 cats. PROCEDURE: Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were measured by use of a noninvasive oscillometric technique. The range of blood pressure measurements in healthy cats from various age groups was determined. Associations among systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure; hypertensive retinopathy; hyperthyroidism; left ventricular cardiac hypertrophy; chronic renal failure; and serum biochemical abnormalities were determined. RESULTS: All blood pressure measurements increased with age in healthy cats. The frequency of hypertensive retinopathy also increased with age and with blood pressure, and hypertensive retinopathy was particularly found in cats with systolic blood pressures > 168 mm Hg. There was an increased risk for hypertensive retinopathy in cats that were female, > 10 years old, and neutered. The risk of chronic renal failure also increased as blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure, increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypertensive retinopathy was common in cats > or = 10 years of age and was associated with systolic blood pressures > 168 mm Hg when measured by the noninvasive oscillometric technique.     

Evaluation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor for use in anesthetized cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine accuracy of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor used over a wide range of pressures in anesthetized cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 6 healthy cats. PROCEDURE: 4 female cats and 2 male cats that weighed 2.7 to 4.5 kg (5.9 to 9.9 lb) and were 2 to 8 years old were anesthetized. Blood pressure was measured directly with an arterial catheter placed in the right femoral artery and indirectly from the left antebrachium by use of an oscillometric monitor. A series of diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) measurements were obtained during hypotension, normotension, and hypertension. Values obtained indirectly and directly were compared. RESULTS: The oscillometric monitor was accurate for DAP and MAP throughout the entire pressure range and met the standards of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (mean +/- SD difference from values obtained directly, < or = 5 +/- 8 mm Hg). The SAP was increasingly underestimated with increasing overall pressure; mean differences from direct measurements were -5.2, -12.1, and -17.7 mm Hg during hypo-, normo-, and hypertension, respectively. Standard deviations for SAP were all < or = 8 mm Hg. The monitor gave readings during all attempts. The direct blood pressure recording system appeared to perform well with neither under- nor overdamping. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Except for a minor underestimation of SAP during normo- and hypertension, the oscillometric monitor yielded reliable and easily obtainable blood pressure measurements in anesthetized cats.     

Indirect measurement of blood pressure using a pulse oximeter in isoflurane anesthetized dogs

Objective: To determine the accuracy of indirect blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained with a pulse oximeter as compared with direct measurements in dogs under isoflurane anesthesia. The Doppler and oscillometric BP monitors were included for comparison. Design: Prospective, experimental study. Animals: Twenty healthy dogs (23 ± 8 kg) anesthetized for research or teaching. Interventions: Dogs were anesthetized with propofol or thiopental and maintained using positive pressure ventilation with isoflurane in 100% O₂. Random adjustment of BP was achieved by inhalant adjustment or dopamine infusion to achieve low (≤85 mmHg), normal (90–120 mmHg), or high systolic BP (≥125 mmHg). Triplicate measurements for BP were taken with direct (dorsal pedal artery), Doppler (forelimb), oscillometric (same forelimb), and plethysmographic (pulse oximeter on tongue) methods. Measurements and main results: Using regression analysis and a modified Bland–Altman's technique, the lowest bias was achieved with the Doppler. Systolic BP readings at low, normal, and high BP were within 10 mmHg of direct recordings 95%, 70%, and 30% of the time for pulse oximetry; 95%, 85%, and 55% of the time for Doppler; 42%, 65%, and 30% of the time for oscillometric determination, respectively. Oscillometric mean BP readings were within 10 mmHg of direct measurements 53%, 60%, and 45% of the time, respectively. Conclusions: The pulse oximeter is an acceptable method for measuring BP in anesthetized dogs if assessment of trends is sufficient. All indirect methods showed greater bias and poorer precision at high BP. The Doppler may be the preferred indirect method.     

Determination of reference arterial blood pressure values by indirect methods for Kangal dogs

OBJECTIVES: To obtain reference arterial blood pressure values from Kangal dogs, a local giant breed found in Turkey. METHODS: Arterial blood pressure measurements were obtained from 48 healthy Kangal dogs using oscillometric and Doppler techniques. The ages of the dogs ranged from two to 96 months, with a mean (sd) age of 36 (16) months. RESULTS: The effect of age on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures determined by the oscillometric technique and on systolic pressure determined by the Doppler technique was significant (P<0.001). Blood pressure was found to be higher in mature dogs compared with that in immature dogs. The effect of sex and the interaction between age and sex were not significant (P>0.05). There was a direct relationship between age and oscillometric systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures and Doppler systolic arterial blood pressure both in the whole group and the immature group (P<0.05). Correlation between age and systolic arterial blood pressure measured either by oscillometric or Doppler techniques was not significant in the mature group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Kangal dog is bred in various countries including Turkey. It is known that giant breed dogs, such as the Kangal dog, are predisposed to cardiovascular disease. Canine arterial blood pressure values are highly breed and age dependent, so a reference value for any other breed is inappropriate for Kangal dogs. Therefore, it is important to measure arterial blood pressure of Kangal dogs.     

Comparative diagnostic test characteristics of oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonographic methods in the detection of systolic hypertension in dogs

Comparison of test characteristics allows a clinician to choose the optimal diagnostic test method for an individual patient. This study assessed the comparative test characteristics of noninvasive (NI) blood pressure measurement methods (oscillometric and Doppler) and used this information to develop optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of systolic hypertension in dogs by these NI methods. Simultaneous NI (oscillometric or Doppler methods) and invasive (arterial puncture [AP]) systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements were obtained prospectively from normal dogs and dogs suspected of having systemic hypertension based on clinical signs. Oscillometric SBP readings were obtained from the distal hind limb (Osc-L, n = 54) or the proximal tail (T. n = 27). Doppler BP measurements were obtained using a forelimb cuff (n = 57). AP-SBP was categorized as hypertensive if > or = 160 mmHg, and sensitivity (Se). specificity (Sp), and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for diagnostic cutoff values ranging from 130 to 220 mmHg. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of AP-SBP > or = 160 mmHg. Optimal NI SBP cutoff values considered to reflect AP values > or = 160 mmHg were: Osc-L = 160 mmHg (Se: 65%, Sp: 85%. LR = 4.33: 1), Osc-T = 150 mmHg (Se: 84%, Sp: 75%, LR = 3.36: 1), and Doppler = 160 mmHg (Se: 71%,     

Importance of uniform cuff application for equine blood pressure measurement

Seventeen horses were used to determine the variances associated with blood pressure cuff application (Sp2) and with other inherent errors (So2). Systolic pressure values had Sp2 = 3.9 mmHg and So2 = 5.6 mmHg, while diastolic pressure values had Sp2 = 1.1 mmHg and So2 = 4.4 mmHg. Thus, to be considered different, two blood pressure means (in mmHg), each derived from three readings, had to differ by at least 3.9 for systolic pressure and 3.4 for diastolic pressure when all readings were made without cuff displacement; 6.8 for systolic pressure and 4.6 for diastolic pressure when the cuff was reapplied between, but not during, measurement of each mean; and 5.0 for systolic pressure and 3.8 for diastolic pressure when the cuff was reapplied between all readings. It was concluded that uniform cuff application is readily achieved.     

Comparison of invasive and oscillometric blood pressure measurement techniques in anesthetized camelids

This study assessed the accuracy of the oscillometric method for arterial blood pressure (ABP) monitoring in anesthetized camelids. Twenty camelids were anesthetized and systolic ABP (SABP), mean ABP (MABP), and diastolic ABP (DABP) were measured directly and using the oscillometric method. The mean difference between SABP measurements was −9.9 ± 21.9 mmHg with a range of −76 to 54 mmHg, and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were −33 to 53 mmHg. The difference between DABP measurements was −1.8 ± 15.6 mmHg with a range of −81 to 36 mmHg, and the 95% LOA were −32 to 29 mmHg. The difference between MABP measurements was −2.9 ± 17.0 mmHg with a range of −81 to 36 mmHg, and the 95% LOA were −30 to 36 mmHg. Accurate ABP monitoring in anesthetized camelids cannot be accomplished using the oscillometric method.     

Evaluation of high-definition and conventional oscillometric blood pressure measurement in anaesthetised dogs using ACVIM guidelines

Objectives : To evaluate high-definition and conventional oscillometry in comparison with direct blood pressure measurements in anaesthetised dogs. Methods : Eight simultaneous readings for systolic, diastolic and mean pressure were obtained directly and with each of two devices in nine anaesthetised dogs. Measurement procedure and validation were based on the 2007 ACVIM guidelines. Results : Sixty-three simultaneous readings were evaluated for each device and direct measurements. The mean differences (bias) to direct values were within 10 mmHg for both devices although bias for systolic and diastolic blood pressures was higher for Memodiagnostic. The standard deviations of differences (precision) were within 15 mmHg for Dinamap but exceeded for Memodiagnostic. Correlation coefficients were higher for Dinamap than Memodiagnostic but both failed to reach a correlation of 0·9. Over 50% of values lay within 10 mmHg of direct measures for both devices, but this percentage was greater for Dinamap than Memodiagnostic. Over 80% of values lay within 20 mmHg of direct measures for Dinamap but not for Memodiagnostic. Clinical Significance : Both devices failed to meet ACVIM guideline validation. However, Dinamap only failed with regards to correlation. Memodiagnostic failed on several requirements, and based on poor correlation, accuracy and precision, this device cannot be currently recommended for dogs under anaesthesia.     

Adaptation of human oscillometric blood pressure monitors for use in dogs

Two digital oscillometric human blood pressure measuring devices were modified and evaluated as blood pressure monitors in 12 healthy anesthetized dogs. Direct arterial pressures were measured via cannulation of the dorsal pedal artery and were correlated with indirect measurements through an inflatable cuff placed over the dorsal pedal artery below the hock joint of the contralateral limb. Direct and indirect measurements were compared for systolic, diastolic, and calculated mean arterial pressures. Blood pressure ranges between 215/145 mm of Hg and 65/30 mm of Hg were obtained, using combinations of halothane, phenylephrine, calcium, and IV administered fluids. Machine A was found to be insufficient for clinical application, on the basis of correlation coefficients between direct and indirect pressures of 0.78, 0.65, and 0.74 for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, respectively. Higher correlation coefficients between direct and indirect pressures (0.77, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively) were obtained with machine B. The results of the study reported here suggest machine B may be an effective blood pressure monitoring device in anesthetized dogs.     

Comparison of ultrasonic Doppler flow monitor,oscillometric, and direct arterial blood pressure measurements in ill dogs

Objective – To compare blood pressure measurements obtained via ultrasonic Doppler flow monitor (DOP) and 2 oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure monitors (CAR and PAS) to invasive blood pressure (IBP) in hospitalized, conscious dogs with a range of blood pressures. Design – Prospective clinical study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Eleven client‐owned dogs aged between 4 months and 11.5 years (median 6 y), and weighing between 5.8 and 37.5 kg (median 30.2 kg). Interventions – Blood pressure measurement. Measurements and Main Results – Three consecutive measurements of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded for each of the 3 indirect devices (only systolic for DOP), along with concurrent IBP measurements. The data were categorized into 3 groups: hypotensive (direct MAP<80 mm Hg), normotensive (80 mm Hg≤direct MAP≥100 mm Hg), and hypertensive (direct MAP>100 mm Hg). Each indirect method was compared with the corresponding direct arterial pressure using the Bland‐Altman method. Within the hypotensive group, each indirect method overestimated the corresponding IBP. Within the normotensive group all indirect systolic measurements and the PAS diastolic measurements underestimated the corresponding IBP. The remaining indirect measurements overestimated the corresponding IBP. Within the hypertensive group, DOP and CAR systolic measurements underestimated the corresponding IBP, and the remaining indirect measurements overestimated the corresponding IBP. In hypertensive dogs oscillometric systolic measurements were more accurate than MAP. In hypotensive dogs MAP measurements were more accurate than systolic measurements. All indirect measurements were most accurate in hypertensive dogs. Conclusions – The noninvasive blood pressure monitors in our study did not meet the validation standards set in human medicine. However, CAR diastolic and MAP measurements within the normotensive group, CAR MAP measurements within the hypertensive group, and PAS diastolic measurements in all groups were close to these standards. All indirect measurements showed greater bias during hypotension. Precision was poorer for all indirect systolic measurements than for MAP.     

Indirect arterial blood pressure measurement in nonsedated Irish wolfhounds: reference values for the breed

Arterial blood pressure measurements were obtained from 158 healthy Irish wolfhounds using the oscillometric technique to establish reference values for the breed. In contrast to other sight hounds, Irish wolfhounds have low arterial blood pressure. Mean systolic pressure for the group was 116.0 mm Hg. Mean diastolic pressure was 69.2 mm Hg, and the mean value for mean arterial pressure was 87.8 mm Hg. Blood pressure measurements were higher in older wolfhounds than in young dogs. There was no difference between systolic and mean arterial blood pressures in lateral recumbency compared to standing position. However, diastolic pressure was slightly lower when standing. Calm dogs had lower pressure than anxious wolfhounds. There was a significant interaction between the effects of age, gender, and mood on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure values.     

Indirect oscillometric and direct blood pressure measurements in anesthetized and conscious neonatal foals

Objective: To investigate the agreement between indirect oscillometric and direct blood pressure measurement in the equine neonate. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Animals: Ten crossbred foals of 30–46 hours of age. Interventions: Six animals (Group 1) were anesthetized. Four animals (Group 2) were restrained on a mat. All animals were instrumented with a catheter in the greater metatarsal artery and an oscillometric blood pressure cuff over the coccygeal artery. Blood pressure was varied with dobutamine, phenylephrine, nitroprusside, and increased depth of anesthesia (Group 1) or dopamine (Group 2). Measurements and main results: Simultaneous direct and indirect blood pressure measurements were obtained from the greater metatarsal artery and the coccygeal artery, respectively. There was good agreement between the 2 methods for mean and diastolic blood pressures in both groups, but not for systolic pressure. The agreement was best in mean blood pressure of anesthetized foals (mean bias –1.07; limits of agreement – 9.39, 7.25 mmHg). Conclusions: Indirect oscillometry appears to be an acceptable method for measuring mean arterial blood pressure in both anesthetized and conscious neonatal foals, and may be a valid method of monitoring critically ill foals.     

Evaluation of oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonic devices for blood pressure measurements in anesthetized and conscious dogs

Two non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices (oscillometry and Doppler) were compared to invasive blood pressure using a Bland–Altman analysis, in anesthetized and conscious dogs. When considering the systolic arterial pressure only during general anesthesia, both NIBP devices slightly underestimated the systolic arterial blood pressure however the precision and the limits of agreement for the Doppler were of a greater magnitude. This indicates a worse clinical performance by the Doppler. The performance of both NIBP devices deteriorated as measured in conscious animals. In general, for the oscillometric device, determination of invasive diastolic and mean arterial pressures was better than the invasive systolic arterial pressure. Overall, the oscillometric device satisfied more of the criteria set by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement. Based upon these results, the oscillometric device is more reliable than the Doppler in the determination of blood pressure in healthy medium to large breed dogs.