POSSIBILITIES OF THE MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD -PRESSURE IN HORSES

Methods of indirect (bloodless) measurement of blood pressure in horse s have been outlined (Fig. 1.) together with their indications and lit erature data (Table 1). Experiences obtained with the auscultatory and Doppler-ultrasonic procedures have been summarized. The parallel meas urements were carried out in 20 healthy horses of different breeds. Th e following mean values were obtained: 119.7+/-16.5 Hgmm (15.92+/-2.19 kPa) in systole, 83.2+/-11.6 Hgmm (11,06+/-1.54 kPa) in diastole by a uscultation method; 124.5+/-15.5 Hgmm (16.56+/-2.06 kPa) in systole, 8 0.2+/-11.0 Hgmm (10.66+/-1.46 kPa) in diastole by Doppler ultrasonic m ethod. Figure 2 and Table 2 show the values measured during three cons ecutive days in 4 and 3 healthy horses, respectively. Significant diff erences were not found between the two methods. However, the Doppler-m ethod proved to be more sensitive in the determination of diastolic va lues. The measured mean blood pressure values were comparable with tho se reported in the literature.