Agreement between invasive and non-invasive blood pressure in anesthetized horses using a novel oscillometric device

In equine anesthesia, accurate blood pressure measurement is important for appropriate haemodynamic managment. While invasive blood pressure measurement invasive techniques are considered reliable, non invasive methods have been proved undependable. Therefore the goal of this study was to aasess the agreement between invasive and non-invasive blood pressure in anesthetized horses using a novel oscillometric device, the large Animal PetTrust, in two different recumbencies, dorsal and lateral, and in two different cuff placements, tail and fore leg. Additionally, the agreement between the Pulse rate from the arterial system and the Pulse rate from the oscillometric device was evaluated. Lastly, compliance with the Americal College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus guidelines was gauged. The agreement was overall poor in both recumbencies and in both cuff placements, and the device failed to meet the guidelines from the ACVIM. Invasive blood pressure technique remains the recommended method of measuring blood pressure in anesthetized horses.