Non-invasive blood pressure measurement in cats
- Sarah Caney
Sarah Caney graduated from Bristol in 1993. She spent one year as a small animal intern at the Royal Veterinary College, before returning to Bristol to undertake a three-year residency in feline medicine. She gained a PhD for studies on feline immunodeficiency virus infection, holds the RCVS diploma in small animal medicine (feline), and is an RCVS specialist in feline medicine. She is currently secretary of the European Society of Feline Medicine and coordinator of the Feline Advisory Bureau's feline expert panel.
Abstract
EVALUATION of blood pressure is indicated in a large number of situations, and facilities for its measurement are now essential in all practices seeing cats. This article describes the different techniques and machines currently available for non-invasive measurement of blood pressure in feline patients. It also provides some guidelines on interpretation of readings. As clinicians will be all too aware, blood pressure is a labile parameter — and not just in cats. Studies in human beings and other species have shown that it varies throughout the day, with stress and exercise, and can fluctuate enormously within seconds.
- British Veterinary Association. All rights reserved.
