V1407 User Manual
58
Blood Pressure Basics
An anesthetized patient’s blood pressure should be regularly monitored. The V1407 Patient Monitor uses
the oscillometric method to obtain systolic, diastolic, and mean non-invasive blood pressure
measurements.
Most text books advise maintaining systolic blood pressure (SAP) at or above 90 mm Hg and mean
arterial blood pressure (MAP) above 70 mm HG. The trend of the MAP is usually the focus of concern. It
is recommended to take several readings over time. Discard the first and average the next 3 to 7
consecutive readings for the most accurate report. It is important to keep the patient relaxed and still. The
owner may need to assist in calming the animal for best results. Multiple measurements may be
necessary to achieve accurate results if significant movement of the patient occurs while the
measurements are being taken. Eliminate any outlier readings that will distort the average readings.
The chosen cuff size is crucial in obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements. For dogs, the cuff
width should be approximately 40% of the appendage circumference. For cats the cuff width should be
approximately 30% of the appendage circumference. Cuffs that are too wide will lead to false low
readings and cuffs that are too narrow will lead to false high readings.
Cuff location is also crucial in obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements. The limb being cuffed
should be at heart level in lateral or sternal recumbency (see illustration below). For smaller animals, the
cuff should be distal to the elbow on the forelimb or around the midmetatarsus distal to the stifle on the
hind limb. The base of the tail can also be a valid position to measure blood pressure. In larger animals,
possible locations include the metacarpus, metatarsus, and distal tibia just above the tarsus.
Forelimb Placement
Hind Limb Placement
Base of Tail Placement
