17
Blood Pressure Values in Cats and Dogs
Blood pressure (BP) is most accurately measured directly using an
intra-arterial catheter. Knowing an animal's BP is often required
for diagnosis and treatment. However, since intra-arterial
pressures are often impossible or impractical to measure, a variety
of indirect measurement devices (Doppler and oscillometric) have
been developed to permit estimation of an animal's BP. It is
important to note that the different methods and different brands
of indirect BP devices will likely produce different BP values in the
same animal, as each estimates blood pressure in a somewhat
different way. Further, all indirect methods are dependent on the
state of the animal and, to some extent, the experience and skill of
the user.
petMAP has been designed to better correlate with intra-arterial
pressure readings through its optimizations for species and cuff
site. The result of this better correlation with intra-arterial
readings is that petMAP’s readings will almost always be 10-20%
higher than Doppler or other oscillometric devices. If correlation
of petMAP BP readings with other BP devices (other than direct
intra-arterial readings) is desired by the user, petMAP should be
used in the non-optimized mode (described in the Controls and
Indicators section).
"Normal” BP in companion animals varies with the species, age of
the animal, method used for BP determination, and the emotional
state of the animal as a result of animal handling and other
circumstances. "Normal” systolic values can range from 110 to
160 mmHg and most diastolic values range from 55 to 100 mmHg,
if the animal is undisturbed and at rest. Normal BP is different for
cats and dogs and can also vary by breed within species.
Hypertension is generally characterized as pressure
>170/110 mmHg in relaxed animals; hypotension is pressure
<90/50 mmHg in the awake animal. However, much of the BP
data that has been used to establish these ranges has been
