Systolic arterial pressure measured simultaneously by Doppler technique, using forelimb and hindlimb, in dogs

The Doppler technique is considered the most repeatable indirect method to measure systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in dogs. However, recent studies emphasized the effect of body position and used limb on SAP measurement. The aim of this study was to determine whether a difference existed in SAP measured simultaneously in dogs using different limbs, with two Doppler units by two different operators. Sixty client-owned dogs, admitted to the veterinary hospital for different reason, were enrolled. They were divided in 3 groups based on body size: 20 small breed dogs (<15 kg); 20 medium breed (15-30 kg); 20 large breed (> 30 kg). For each dog the anxiety status was recorded. SAP was measured via Doppler technique when dogs were in right lateral recumbency in a quite environment. Right and left forelimb SAP and left forelimb and left hindlimb SAP were recorded simultaneously, with two identical Doppler units equipped with headphones, by two operators. Measurement was performed based on the ACVIM guidelines. Five measurements were recorded, the higher and lower values were discarded from the analysis. The relationship of mean SAP for each limb with body weight, sex, anxiety status and SAP value was evaluated. Mean ± SD SAP was significantly higher for the right forelimb (175.81 ± 37.15) compare to the left forelimb (165.14 ± 33.35) on overall population. The difference was significant for large breed dogs, males and dogs with SAP ³ 180 mmHg. SAP was higher for the left forelimb (163.67 ± 32.11) compare to the left hindlimb (151.34 ± 34.31) on overall population. The difference was significant for medium and large breed dogs, females, calm animals and dogs with SAP ³ 180 mmHg. The mean SAP from the left forelimb recorded by two different operators at two different moments, were compared and no difference was evident. In conclusion, SAP measurement from different limbs, in dogs in right lateral recumbency, is poorly correlated. Measurement of SAP from the left forelimb is more repeatable during time and between different operators. SAP trend monitoring should be done using the same measurement site for any animal.