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Measuring accurate blood pressure on animals is not trivial, (it is much more difficult than in humans) and lots of experience and attention to every detail is important: limb selection, proper cuff size, snug fit of the cuff, position of animal so that no weight or pressure is on the measurement limb or cuff, a relaxed and still animal (let the owner hold it in a comfortable position), an experienced and VERY PATIENT measurement person and possibly a patient assistant as well. And, multiple BP measurements MUST be made during the BP measurement session.

Experts in the field of animal BP measurement stress the important elements of the blood pressure determination process are the skill, experience, and patience of the person measuring blood pressure. The most important element taught is patience of the person measuring blood pressure and their rapport with the animal.

Instructors teach that readings on at least 25-50 animals should be completed before practitioners consider themselves experienced and skilled in taking blood pressure. The measurement process is an art, a skill, and a science all in one . . . when done well.

Remember that research has shown that if an animal is upset or agitated due to handling or due to the measurement procedure itself, it will take 8-10 minutes, after the animal is calmed and reassured, for the animal's blood pressure to return to normal. Measurements on an agitated animal are not an indication of their normal blood pressure and are usually worthless clinically when diagnosing a hypertensive animal.



	"Blood Pressure Measurement in the Palm of Your Hand"
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