Evaluation of the agreement between lingual and thoracic limb noninvasive blood pressure with invasive blood pressure measurements in anaesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between noninvasive arterial blood pressure (NIBP) measured from the tongue and thoracic limb with invasive blood pressure (IBP), and to compare NIBP measured from the tongue and thoracic limb in anaesthetized horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A group of eight client-owned healthy horses anaesthetized for scheduled procedures, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I-II, weighing (mean ± standard deviation) 498 ± 91 kg and aged 7.8 ± 6.75 years. METHODS: Animals were premedicated with intravenous (IV) romifidine (0.04-0.08 mg kg-1) and methadone (0.1 mg kg-1). General anaesthesia was induced IV with ketamine (2.5 mg kg-1) and midazolam (0.05 mg kg-1) and maintained with isoflurane. The facial artery was catheterized for IBP measurements. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures were recorded from the NIBPtongue, NIBPlimb and IBP every 20 minutes during the procedure. Agreement between NIBP and IBP was evaluated based on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine criteria and American Association for Medical Instrumentation criteria using the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The mean bias and precision between IBP and NIBP measured from the tongue met the standards for all pressure ranges (< 10 mmHg and < 15 mmHg, respectively). NIBP measurements from the tongue and thoracic limb tended to underestimate IBP measurements. During hypotension, MAPtongue and DAPtongue overestimated IBP, but both precision and accuracy met the criteria. The overall accuracy and precision of NIBPlimb was poorer than NIBPtongue. The percentage of NIBPtongue that differed from IBP by < 10 mmHg was higher than that recorded with NIBPlimb for SAP (46% versus 25%), MAP (77% versus 28%) and DAP (79% versus 19%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The tongue is a clinically suitable alternative for assessing arterial blood pressure compared with the thoracic limb and can reliably detect hypotension in healthy anaesthetized horses.

Understanding the barriers to blood pressure assessment in cats.

OBJECTIVES: A questionnaire was designed to survey veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians on blood pressure (BP) assessment in cats, including ocular examination, encompassing current methodology, indications, uptake and barriers. METHODS: An online questionnaire was produced and promoted to more than 2000 veterinary professionals, of whom 545 answered all questions and 85 answered most questions. RESULTS: Of the participants, 572 (90.8%) were based in the UK and almost all (n = 613, 97.3%) had access to a BP monitor. Of those that had a monitor, most (n = 550, 88.4%) participants had access to a Doppler monitor; 367 (59.0%) participants had access to multiparameter monitors; fewer (n = 202, 32.5%) had access to oscillometric BP monitors. Where applicable, Doppler monitors were most commonly chosen for conscious cat measurements (n = 337, 72.2%) due to the greater 'trust' and 'reliability' of these compared with oscillometric machines. Conscious BP measurement typically involved two members of staff (n = 391, 62.9%). Only 156 (29.1%) participants recommended BP assessment at least several times a week in their interactions with cat owners. BP assessment was routinely recommended in cats with ocular target organ damage (n = 365, 87.7%), chronic kidney disease (n = 346, 78.6%), proteinuria (n = 255, 63.0%) and hyperthyroidism (n = 266, 60.9%). Common equipment-related barriers included 'cuff frustration' and difficulties hearing the pulse signal for Doppler users (72.2% and 71.6%, respectively), and oscillometric machines failing to give a reading at least some of the time (52.8%). Situational hypertension concerns affected many (n = 507, 92.0%), as did lack of time to do the procedure (n = 402, 73.0%). Significant owner barriers included difficulties persuading the owner to bring their cat in for BP checks (n = 475, 86.2%) and concerns over costs (n = 445, 80.8%). Most participants had access to a direct ophthalmoscope (n = 527, 96.5%); however, 399 (73.1%) reported that they struggled to interpret ocular findings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Significant barriers exist to successful BP assessment in cats. Education and support of clinics should focus on improving confidence with equipment and eye examination.

Agreement Between Tongue-Based Oscillometric and Invasive Blood Pressure in Anesthetized Dogs of Various Weights.

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between oscillometric blood pressure (OBP) measured from the tongue and invasive blood pressure (IBP) measured from the dorsal pedal artery in anesthetized dogs of various body weights. Forty-five client-owned dogs undergoing general anesthesia for surgery or imaging scan were included; weights ranged from 2.5 to 42.6 kg. Agreement between paired IBP and OBP during normotension was verified with reference standards used in small animals and humans. The data were stratified by body weight (≤5 kg versus >5 kg). In the >5 kg group (n = 29), the bias ± standard deviation for mean (2.1 ± 7.9 mm Hg) and diastolic pressure (-2.7 ± 7.9 mm Hg) exhibited reliability that met human standards (<5 ± 8 mm Hg). However, in the ≤5 kg group (n = 16), the bias ± standard deviation met only veterinary standards (≤10 ± 15 mm Hg) for mean (3.1 ± 10.2 mm Hg) and diastolic pressure (-2.5 ± 12.6 mm Hg). Agreement for systolic pressure did not meet either standard for both groups. This study demonstrates that tongue-based OBP is a close estimate of mean/diastolic blood pressure in anesthetized dogs (>5 kg) during normotension by small-animal and human criteria.

EVALUATION OF OSCILLOMETRIC BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING A FINGER CUFF IN ANESTHETIZED CHIMPANZEES (PAN TROGLODYTES).

Cardiovascular disease is common among chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and serial blood pressure monitoring in conscious animals may improve disease surveillance and guide hypertension treatment strategies. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of a noninvasive, oscillometric blood pressure monitor using a finger blood pressure cuff with invasively measured blood pressure in anesthetized chimpanzees. Twelve chimpanzees were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam intramuscularly, intubated, and maintained on inhaled isoflurane to effect. Blood pressure measurements, which included systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), were collected simultaneously from an oscillometric blood pressure cuff placed on a forelimb digit (FBP) and a direct arterial catheter (IBP) every 5-10 min while anesthetized. One hundred paired samples were collected, and results were compared using Bland-Altman plots and analysis. FBP showed good agreement with IBP for SAP, MAP, and DAP but consistently overestimated values compared with IBP. FBP may be useful for serial blood pressure monitoring in conscious chimpanzees.

Cuff size, cuff placement, blood pressure state, and monitoring technique can influence indirect arterial blood pressure monitoring in anesthetized bats (Pteropus vampyrus).

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate agreement between 2 non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) techniques and invasive arterial blood pressure (IBP) in anesthetized bats using various cuff sizes and cuff positioning while also evaluating its performance during hypertension and hypotension. ANIMALS: 8 bats (1.1 ± 0.2 kg). PROCEDURES: Bats were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen. NIBP was measured using oscillometric (NIBP-O) and Doppler (NIBP-D) techniques in the pectoral limb (PEC) and pelvic limbs (PEL) using 3 cuff sizes (1, 2, and 3). NIBP measurements were compared with IBP; systolic (SAPinvasive), mean (MAPinvasive), and diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAPinvasive) during normotension, hypertension, and hypotension. Hypotension was induced with isoflurane (3.8 ± 1.2%) and hypertension with norepinephrine (3 ± 0.5 µg/kg/min). Data analysis included Bland-Altman analyses and 3-way ANOVA. Results were reported as mean bias (95% CI). RESULTS: NIBP-O monitor reported 29% errors, and experienced more failures with hypertension, cuff placement on PEC, and using a size 1 cuff. Across states, an agreement between NIBP-D and MAPinvasive with cuff 2 on PEL (-3 mmHg [-8, 1]), and NIBP-D and SAPinvasive with cuff 3 on PEC (2 mmHg [-5, 9 mmHg]) was achieved. NIBP-D over-estimated SAPinvasive and MAPinvasive during hypertension in both limbs with cuffs 1 and 2. Except during hypotension, NIBP-O underestimated MAPinvasive and DAPinvasive using a size 2 cuff on PEL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In anesthetized bats, NIBP-O is unreliable for estimating IBP. NIBP-D shows acceptable agreement with MAPinvasive with cuff size 2 on PEL, and with SAPinvasive with cuff size 3 on PEC across a wide range of IBP values.

EVALUATION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN OSCILLOMETRIC AND DIRECT BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN ANESTHETIZED TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS).

Noninvasive blood pressure measurement is commonly performed with oscillometry; however, this technique provides clinically helpful information only if it is representative of the gold standard. Agreement between direct and oscillometric blood pressure measurements were performed in 14 anesthetized, captive tigers (Panthera tigris). A cuff, placed around the tail base and connected to a multiparameter monitor, was used to measure arterial blood pressure oscillometrically and provided systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures. At the same time, direct blood pressures were obtained from a dorsal pedal arterial catheter, and the oscillometric and direct readings were considered paired data points. Agreement between the two methods was evaluated by Bland-Altman plots. All animals completed the study and provided 196 paired data points. The bias (mm Hg) for systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressures was -3.7, -0.8, and -1.6, respectively. Limits of agreement (mm Hg) for systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressures were -31 to 24, -29 to 27, and -29 to 26, respectively. Oscillometry provided an acceptable amount of readings within 10 and 20 mm Hg of the gold standard. The oscillometric technique provided reasonable agreement with direct measurements. Therefore, in the conditions used in this study, oscillometric blood pressure measured via the ventral coccygeal artery provided reasonable estimates of invasive blood pressure in anesthetized tigers.

Use of a human wrist blood pressure monitor for arterial blood pressure measurements in normotensive conscious dogs in comparison to veterinary high-definition oscillometry.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard in canine blood pressure (BP) measurement is the invasive method; however, non-invasive blood pressure measurement techniques (NIBP) are more commonly used. The lack of small, lightweight, cheap, fast and portable NIBP still remains a point to improve in the emergency setting. KEY FINDINGS: A human wrist blood pressure (WBP) device was evaluated in comparison with the veterinary high-definition oscillometry (HDO) in conscious normotensive dogs. Systolic and diastolic BPs were evaluated in two groups of dogs. The bias, the limits of agreement and correlation between variables were calculated. Twenty-five and 36 dogs were, respectively, included in Study No. 1 (dogs weighting ≥10 kg) and 2 (dogs weighting ≥20 kg). In both studies, correlation between the two devices was moderate. A better agreement was displayed for diastolic pressure and poor precision for both systolic and diastolic pressures measurements (as determined by wide limits of agreement). The WBP method underestimated both the systolic and diastolic BP with respect to the HDO method. The inclusion of bigger dogs (Study No. 2) with limb circumference more like to human limb dimension did not improve the agreement between considered methods. SIGNIFICANCE: The human WBP monitor considered is not suitable to replace the commonly used veterinary HDO for in-clinic BP monitoring in normotensive conscious dogs.

Validation of oscillometric blood pressure measurement using a Datex S/5 Compact multiparameter monitor in anaesthetized adult dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare noninvasive (NIBP) with invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurements from a Datex S/5 Compact monitor in anaesthetized adult dogs, and to evaluate it according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) criteria. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A group of 34 client-owned adult dogs. METHODS: Dogs were anaesthetized for different surgical procedures using different anaesthetic protocols. IBP was measured using a catheter placed in a dorsal pedal artery. A blood pressure cuff was placed over the contralateral dorsal pedal artery for NIBP measurement. Data were recorded using the Datex iCollect program, and paired readings were matched every 3 minutes for 60 minutes. Bland-Altman and error grid analyses were used to estimate the agreement between IBP and NIBP measurements, and its clinical significance, respectively. Data were reported as mean bias [lower, upper limits of agreement (LoA)]. RESULTS: The Datex S/5 monitor conformed to most ACVIM criteria. The correlation coefficient was less than 0.9 for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAP). The best agreement between the noninvasive and invasive methods was observed for MAP, with LoA (-17 to 13 mmHg) and higher percentage of NIBP readings within 5 (55.6%), 10 (81.7%) and 20 (98.6%) mmHg of the IBP values. The Datex S/5 NIBP technology did not meet the AAMI validation criteria and less than 95% of the paired measurements were found within the green zone of the error grid analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Datex S/5 monitor conformed to most ACVIM criteria but not with the more rigorous AAMI standards. Despite good agreement between IBP and NIBP for MAP measurements, care must be taken when using this device to guide therapeutic interventions of blood pressure in anaesthetized healthy adult dogs.

Evaluation of the tongue for oscillometric measurement of arterial pressure in anesthetized Beagle dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between oscillometric blood pressure (OBP) measured from the tongue and invasive blood pressure (IBP), and to compare OBPs measured from the tongue with OBPs measured from the pelvic limb and tail. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of eight adult Beagle dogs weighing 11.1 ± 1.2 kg. METHODS: Animals were premedicated with intravenous (IV) acepromazine (0.005 mg kg-1). Anesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (3 mg kg-1) IV and maintained with isoflurane. The dorsal pedal artery was catheterized for IBP measurements. Systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP) and mean (MAP) arterial pressure were simultaneously measured from the tongue, pelvic limb and tail. Based on invasive SAP, hypertension (>140 mmHg), normotension (90-140 mmHg) and hypotension (<90 mmHg) were induced by controlling end-tidal isoflurane concentrations and/or dobutamine/dopamine administration. Agreement between paired IBP and OBP measurements was analyzed with reference standards for noninvasive blood pressure devices used in small animals and humans. RESULTS: Regardless of cuff placement, the mean bias ± standard deviation between IBP and OBP met veterinary (≤10 ± 15 mmHg) and human (<5 ± 8 mmHg) standards for MAP and DAP. SAP measurements provided by the OBP device showed unacceptable agreement with IBP, and the bias between methods increased at higher blood pressures, regardless of cuff site. During hypotension, tongue OBP showed the largest percentage of absolute difference <10 mmHg in relation to IBP for SAP (90%), MAP (97%), and DAP (93%), compared with pelvic limb (60%, 97% and 82%, respectively) and tail OBP (54%, 92% and 77%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The tongue is a clinically useful site for measuring OBP in anesthetized Beagle dogs, providing reliable estimates of MAP and DAP. The tongue could replace other cuff placement sites and may be a relatively suitable site for assessing hypotension.

Evaluation of noninvasive blood pressure in anesthetized horses: Bias, limits of agreement, and comparative detection of a predetermined mean blood pressure warranting treatment.

Oscillometric blood pressure monitoring may be a practical tool for short procedures or those performed outside of the operating room. Oscillometric and direct blood pressure values in 30 juvenile and adult horses in a clinical setting using mixed effect models were compared. The limits of agreement and percentage errors were also calculated. We evaluated the sensitivity and false positive rate for the oscillometric method to trigger an intervention for treating blood pressure [direct mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 70 mmHg]. Oscillometric MAP and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) differed from direct values (P < 0.001); systolic arterial pressure (SAP) did not (P = 0.08). Wide limits of agreement were observed. Percentage errors were smaller for SAP (39%) than for MAP and DAP (48% and 72%). The oscillometric monitor indicated there was a requirement for blood pressure treatment with a true positive rate of 82%, consequently, it failed 18% of the times. The false positive rate (unnecessary treatment) was 55%.

Évaluation non invasive de la pression artérielle chez des chevaux anesthésiés: biais, limites d'accord et détection comparative d'une pression artérielle moyenne prédéterminée justifiant un traitement. La surveillance oscillométrique de la pression artérielle peut être un outil pratique pour les procédures courtes ou celles effectuées hors de la salle d'opération. Les valeurs oscillométriques et directes de la pression artérielle chez 30 chevaux juvéniles et adultes en milieu clinique ont été comparées à l'aide de modèles à effets mixtes. Les limites d'accord et les pourcentages d'erreurs furent également calculés. Nous avons évalué la sensibilité et le taux de faux positifs de la méthode oscillométrique pour déclencher une intervention pour le traitement de la pression artérielle [pression artérielle moyenne directe (PAM) < 70 mmHg]. La PAM oscillométrique et la pression artérielle diastolique (PAD) différaient des valeurs directes (P < 0,001); mais pas la pression artérielle systolique (PAS) (P = 0,08). De larges limites d'accord ont été observées. Les pourcentages d'erreurs étaient plus faibles pour PAS (39 %) que pour PAM et PAD (48 % et 72 %). Le moniteur oscillométrique a indiqué qu'il y avait une exigence pour un traitement de la pression artérielle avec un taux de vrais positifs de 82 %, par conséquent, il a échoué 18 % des fois. Le taux de faux positifs (traitement inutile) était de 55 %.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Agreement between invasive and oscillometric arterial blood pressure measurement using a high-definition oscillometric device in normotensive New Zealand White rabbits using two different anaesthetic protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To use American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) criteria to evaluate a high-definition oscillometric (HDO) blood pressure monitoring device versus invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurement in normotensive rabbits anaesthetized with two different anaesthetic protocols. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A group of 20 healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits weighing 4.36 ± 0.37 kg (mean ± standard deviation). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbits were premedicated with butorphanol 0.5 mg kg-1 and midazolam 0.5 mg kg-1 subcutaneously (SC, group BMA) or ketamine 25 mg kg-1 and medetomidine 0.4 mg kg-1 SC (group KM). Anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone administered intravenously (group BMA) or isoflurane by face mask (group KM) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. IBP was measured from the central auricular artery. The cuff for the HDO monitor was placed distal to the left elbow and distal to the left tarsus. Agreement between invasive and HDO measurements was evaluated using Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: In group KM there was better agreement between the HDO device and IBP when the cuff was placed on the thoracic limb, with 100% and 91% of the readings for mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), respectively, within 10 mmHg of the IBP measurements. The agreement, although worse, also met the ACVIM criteria for systolic arterial pressure (SAP; 53% of the readings within 10 mmHg). In group BMA, the device met the criteria with the cuff on the thoracic limb only, and only for MAP and DAP (73% and 75% of the measurements within 10 mmHg of the IBP, respectively) but not for SAP (12%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The HDO device met most of the ACVIM criteria for noninvasive blood pressure measurement in anaesthetized rabbits, specifically when the cuff was placed distal to the elbow and the anaesthetic protocol included ketamine and medetomidine.

Evaluation of the agreement of two oscillometric blood pressure devices with invasive blood pressure in anaesthetized chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement of two noninvasive blood pressure devices: a human device with the cuff placed on the wrist (Omron R1) and a veterinary device with the cuff placed on the upper brachium (Surgivet Advisor Vital Signs Monitor) with invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurement in anaesthetized chimpanzees. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A convenience sample of 11 adult chimpanzees undergoing anaesthesia for translocation and routine health checks. METHODS: Systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressures (DAP) were continuously recorded via a transducer connected to a femoral artery cannula, and at 5 minute intervals from the two oscillometric devices. Agreement was explored using Bland-Altman analysis and bias defined as the mean difference between the two measurement methods. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Bias and standard deviation for the Surgivet compared with IBP were 8.6 ± 18 for SAP and 8.4 ± 9.9 for DAP, showing a significant underestimation of both variables. Limits of agreement (LOA) were from -27 to 44 for SAP and from -11 to 28 for DAP. Correlation coefficients between the Surgivet and IBP values were 0.86 for SAP and 0.85 for DAP (p < 0.0001). Bias and standard deviation for the Omron compared with the IBP were -21 ± 25 for SAP and -18 ± 15 for DAP, showing a significant overestimation of both variables. LOA were from -70 to -28 for SAP and from -47 to 11 for DAP. Spearman correlation coefficients between the Omron and IBP values were 0.64 for SAP and 0.72 for DAP (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although neither device met all the criteria for device validation, the Surgivet presented better agreement with IBP values than the Omron in adult anaesthetized chimpanzees.

Agreement between noninvasive oscillometric and invasive blood pressure measurements in isoflurane-anesthetized guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the agreement between an oscillometric device and invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurements in anesthetized healthy adult guinea pigs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of eight adult Hartley guinea pigs. METHODS: All animals were anesthetized; a carotid artery was surgically exposed and catheterized for IBP measurements. A size 1 cuff placed on the right thoracic limb was connected to an oscillometric device for noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) assessment. Concurrent pairs of systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP) and mean (MAP) arterial pressures were recorded simultaneously with both methods every 3 minutes for 30 minutes. Agreement between IBP and NIBP measurements was determined using the Bland-Altman method, considering the recommended standards for the validation of NIBP measurement devices proposed by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). RESULTS: The bias and the 95% limits of agreement were: -14 (-31 to 3) mmHg, -2 (-14 to 10) mmHg and -1 (-13 to 11) mmHg for SAP, DAP and MAP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The oscillometric device used in this study to measure NIBP did not meet ACVIM criteria for validation. It showed good agreement for DAP and MAP but not for SAP measurements. Considering the small size of these animals and the resulting difficulty in performing percutaneous arterial catheterization, this device might be a useful tool to assess MAP and DAP during anesthetic procedures in adult guinea pigs.

Evaluation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor in anesthetized dogs: Agreement with direct measurements and ability to detect hypotension.

We evaluated the agreement between oscillometric and direct blood pressure monitors in anesthetized dogs and evaluated the ability of the oscillometric method to detect MAP <60 mmHg. Forty client-owned dogs, three months to 14 years old, 4.6-50.2 kg, under general anesthesia were studied. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures were measured directly via an arterial catheter and with an oscillometric cuff (Cardell Touch monitor). Paired values were compared with mixed effect models. Bias and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. The sensitivity and false negative rate to detect hypotension (invasive MAP <60 mmHg) using an oscillometric MAP <60 and < 70 mmHg were calculated. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed and the area under the curve calculated. SAP and DAP differed between methods (both P < 0.001), but MAP did not (P = 0.5). Bland-Altman plots showed small biases but wide LOA for all variables. The sensitivity to detect hypotension was 40% with a false negative rate of 60% when using an oscillometric MAP <60 mmHg, and 68% and 32%, respectively, with a MAP <70 mmHg. The area under the ROC curve for MAP was 0.82. While the oscillometric MAP did not differ from invasive values, the device failed to recognize hypotensive events when 60 mmHg was used as the threshold to detect hypotension. Higher MAP values increased the ability to correctly recognize hypotension, but at the expense of a higher incidence of false positives.

Comparison of invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements in anesthetized female Dorset cross-bred lambs (Ovis aries).

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between invasive and noninvasive blood pressure measurements in anesthetized, non-surgically manipulated Dorset cross-bred lambs. Twelve healthy female Dorset cross-bred lambs, weighing 37.3 ± 7.4 kg (mean ± SD) underwent isoflurane anesthesia for simultaneous measurement of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) from an invasive blood pressure source and a noninvasive oscillometric source (O-NIBP). The femoral artery was catheterized for invasive blood pressure measurements, while noninvasive blood pressure was measured from a cuff placed on the antebrachium. The Bland-Altman method was used to calculate agreement between SAP, MAP and DAP measurements. The bias ± SD between SAP, MAP and DAP measurements was 3.6 ± 12.0, 4.9 ± 9.1 mmHg and 4.1 ± 8.0, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement for SAP, MAP and DAP were - 19.9 to 27.1, -13.0 to 22.8 mmHg, and - 11.7 to 19.9, respectively. Overall, agreement was poor between femoral IBP and O-NIBP monitoring techniques in anesthetized Dorset cross-bred lambs, with O-NIBP underestimating the femoral IBP. Arterial blood pressure should be most accurately measured using an invasive blood pressure monitoring technique in lambs undergoing isoflurane anesthesia.

Validation of the oscillometric blood pressure monitor Vet20 SunTech in anesthetized healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a veterinary-specific oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) system according to the guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Consensus Statement. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 33 client-owned cats (20 females and 13 males). METHODS: Cats were premedicated with methadone (0.3 mg kg-1) and alfaxalone (2 mg kg-1) intramuscularly. After 15 minutes anesthesia was induced with isoflurane (3%) in 100% oxygen by facemask while breathing spontaneously. A 22 gauge catheter was placed in the median caudal artery and systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP) and mean (MAP) arterial pressures were measured. NIBP measurements were collected by placing the cuff (40% of limb circumference) on the right or left antebrachium. The agreement between the two methods was evaluated with the Bland-Altman methods, and the oscillometric NIBP device was evaluated using the ACVIM guidelines for validation of devices. RESULTS: Data from 30 of the 33 cats were analyzed. Five paired measurements were taken from each cat, totaling 150 paired measurements. Mean bias (limits of agreements) for SAP, DAP and MAP were 2.7 (-22.7 to 28.1), 0.9 (-22.3 to 24.2) and 1.3 (-20.4 to 23.0). The oscillometric NIBP passed all validation criteria, except correlation which was <0.9 for SAP, DAP and MAP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Vet20 did not meet all validation criteria by the ACVIM. However, all criteria except correlation were met.

Effects of cuff size and position on the agreement between arterial blood pressure measured by Doppler ultrasound and through a dorsal pedal artery catheter in anesthetized cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of cuff size/position on the agreement between arterial blood pressure measured by Doppler ultrasound (ABPDoppler) and dorsal pedal artery catheter measurements of systolic (SAPinvasive) and mean arterial pressure (MAPinvasive) in anesthetized cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of eight cats (3.0-3.8 kg) for neutering. METHODS: During isoflurane anesthesia, before surgery, changes in end-tidal isoflurane concentrations and/or administration of dopamine were performed to achieve SAPinvasive within 60-150 mmHg. Cuff sizes 1, 2 and 3 (bladder width: 20, 25 and 35 mm, respectively) were placed on distal third of the antebrachium, above the tarsus and below the tarsus for ABPDoppler measurements. Agreement between ABPDoppler and SAPinvasive or between ABPDoppler and MAPinvasive was compared with reference standards for noninvasive blood pressure devices used in humans and small animals. RESULTS: Mean bias and precision (±standard deviation) between ABPDoppler and SAPinvasive met veterinary standards (≤10 ± 15 mmHg), but not human standards (≤5 ± 8 mmHg), with cuffs 1 and 2 placed on the thoracic limb (7.4 ± 13.9 and -5.8 ± 9.5 mmHg, respectively), and with cuff 2 placed proximal to the tarsus (7.2 ± 12.4 mmHg). Cuff width-to-limb circumference ratios resulting in acceptable agreement between ABPDoppler and SAPinvasive were 0.31 ± 0.04 (cuff 1) and 0.42 ± 0.05 (cuff 2) on the thoracic limb, and 0.43 ± 0.05 (cuff 2) above the tarsus. ABPDoppler showed no acceptable agreement with MAPinvasive by any reference standard. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The agreement between ABPDoppler and SAPinvasive can be optimized by placing the occlusive cuff on the distal third of the antebrachium and above the tarsus. In these locations, cuff width should approach 40% of limb circumference to provide clinically acceptable estimations of SAPinvasive. Doppler ultrasound cannot be used to estimate MAPinvasive in cats.

Assessment of a commercially available veterinary blood pressure device used on awake and anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of a commercially available device for oscillometrically measured blood pressure (OBP) with invasively measured blood pressure (IBP) in awake and anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS: 19 adult dogs (mean ± SD body weight, 17.8 ± 7.5 kg). PROCEDURES: Blood pressures were measured in dogs while they were awake and anesthetized with isoflurane. The OBP was recorded on a thoracic limb, and IBP was simultaneously recorded from the median caudal artery. Agreement between OBP and IBP was evaluated with the Bland-Altman method. Guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) were used for validation of the oscillometric device. RESULTS: In awake dogs, mean bias of the oscillometric device was -11.12 mm Hg (95% limits of agreement [LOA], -61.14 to 38.90 mm Hg) for systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), 9.39 mm Hg (LOA, -28.26 to 47.04 mm Hg) for diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP), and -0.85 mm Hg (LOA, -40.54 to 38.84 mm Hg) for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). In anesthetized dogs, mean bias was -12.27 mm Hg (LOA, -47.36 to 22.82 mm Hg) for SAP, -3.92 mm Hg (LOA, -25.28 to 17.44 mm Hg) for DAP, and -7.89 mm Hg (LOA, -32.31 to 16.53 mm Hg) for MAP. The oscillometric device did not fulfill ACVIM guidelines for the validation of such devices. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Agreement between OBP and IBP results for awake and anesthetized dogs was poor. The oscillometric blood pressure device did not fulfill ACVIM guidelines for validation. Therefore, clinical use of this device cannot be recommended.

EVALUATION OF NONINVASIVE OSCILLOMETRIC BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING IN ANESTHETIZED BENNETT'S WALLABIES (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS).

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a noninvasive oscillometric method in relation to invasively measured blood pressure in anesthetized Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) and also to compare the accuracy of two commonly used oscillometric blood pressure monitors (manufactured by Cardell and Datascope). Eleven animals were anesthetized, and each animal was instrumented with an arterial catheter in the right medial metatarsal artery connected to a pressure transducer to obtain invasive measurements of systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressure as well as a pressure waveform. A cuff connected to an oscillometric device was placed on the base of the tail for noninvasive measurements. Paired data from noninvasive and invasive blood pressure measurements (SAP, DAP, and MAP) were obtained every 5 min for 60 min. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare invasive and noninvasive measurements and calculate bias and 95% limits of agreement for SAP, DAP, and MAP. For both monitors, the bias of SAP, DAP, and MAP was significant, although the bias of the Cardell was consistently lower than that of the Datascope for all parameters. Limits of agreement were wide for all parameters. In conclusion, when using an oscillometric blood pressure monitor on anesthetized Bennett's wallabies, trends in blood pressure may be monitored, although all displayed readings may not represent the true blood pressure measurement. Indirect measurements of blood pressure made with the oscillometric device cannot substitute for direct measurements.

Prospective clinical study to evaluate an oscillometric blood pressure monitor in pet rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are particularly sensitive to develop hypotension during sedation or anaesthesia. Values of systolic or mean non-invasive arterial blood pressure below 80 or 60 mmHg respectively are common under anaesthesia despite an ongoing surgery. A reliable method of monitoring arterial blood pressure is extremely important, although invasive technique is not always possible due to the anatomy and dimension of the artery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between a new oscillometric device for non-invasive arterial blood pressure measurement and the invasive method. Moreover the trending ability of the device, ability to identify changes in the same direction with the invasive methods, was evaluated as well as the sensibility of the device in identifying hypotension arbitrarily defined as invasive arterial blood pressure below 80 or 60 mmHg. RESULTS: Bland-Altman analysis for repeated measurements showed a poor agreement between the two methods; the oscillometric device overestimated the invasive arterial blood pressure, particularly at high arterial pressure values. The same analysis repeated considering oscillometric measurement that match invasive mean pressure lower or equal to 60 mmHg showed a decrease in biases and limits of agreement between methods. The trending ability of the device, evaluated with both the 4-quadrant plot and the polar plot was poor. Concordance rate of mean arterial blood pressure was higher than systolic and diastolic pressure although inferior to 90%. The sensibility of the device in detecting hypotension defined as systolic or mean invasive arterial blood pressure lower than 80 or 60 mmHg was superior for mean oscillometric pressure rather than systolic. A sensitivity of 92% was achieved with an oscillometric measurement for mean pressure below 65 mmHg instead of 60 mmHg. Non-invasive systolic blood pressure is less sensitive as indicator of hypotension regardless of the cutoff limit considered. CONCLUSIONS: Although mean invasive arterial blood pressure is overestimated by the device, the sensitivity of this non-invasive oscillometric monitor in detecting invasive mean pressure below 60 mmHg is acceptable but a cutoff value of 65 mmHg needs to be used.