Clinical comparison of three methods to measure blood pressure in nonsedated dogs

Objective-To determine arterial blood pressure in client-owned dogs, using direct arterial puncture, oscillometry, and Doppler ultrasonography in a cl inical setting. Design-Prospective study. Animals-28 clinically normal client-owned dogs. Procedure-Blood pressures of nonsedated dogs were measured simultaneously, using each of the 3 methods. Mean values obtained were compared with publis hed mean values. Ability of noninvasive methods (Doppler ultrasonography an d oscillometry) to accurately predict results of the invasive method, and r elationships between blood pressure and age, body weight, and degree of pat ient anxiety were determined. Results-Calculated ranges of values (mean +/- 2 SD) determined by direct ar terial puncture were: systolic pressure, 114 to 194 mm Hg; diastolic pressu re, 66 to 102 mm Hg, and mean pressure, 85 to 129 mm Hg. Ranges determined by use of oscillometry were: systolic, 110 to 190 mm Hg; diastolic, 35 to 1 07 mm Hg, and mean, 78 to 138 mm Hg. Ultrasonographic and oscillometric val ues did not accurately predict direct values, but mean values of systolic a nd mean pressures were similar among methods. Relationships were not detect ed between age or body weight and blood pressure. Significant differences i n blood pressure were not detected between anxious and nonanxious dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Mean values of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure measured in nonsedated client-owned dogs, usin g invasive and noninvasive methods in a clinical setting, are comparable wi th those determined for acclimatized, trained, or sedated dogs. However, re sults of noninvasive methods may not accurately reflect direct values.