Central venous pressure and arterial blood pressure measurements

Arterial blood pressure measurement and central venous pressure monitoring are important tools in the management of the critically ill pet. Central ve nous pressure is reflective of right atrial pressure and provides informati on concerning volume status. Arterial blood pressure is helpful in determin ing if perfusion to vital tissues is adequate. By providing more informatio n with which to tailor fluid therapy and by prompt recognition of hypoor hy pertension, these monitoring tools are instrumental in the management of th e critically ill pet.