10
General Information & Helpful Tips
IMPORTANT: For accurate BP readings with petMAP, only
Ramsey Medical, Inc. CritterCuffs and RamseyCuffs should be
used.
Improper cuff size and improper cuff fit will result in inaccurate
(or no) BP readings. petMAP requires a cuff whose width is
approximately 42 - 50% of the circumference of the forearm,
the hind foot, or the tail of the animal. The index line on the cuff
should fall within the “optimum region” shown by the dotted
lines on the cuff, but NEVER outside of the solid boundary
lines. For proper fit, the cuff must be snug
, but not painfully
tight (see CritterCuff information).
Measuring blood pressure in companion animals requires:
1. A cooperative animal that is not moving
2. A patient, well trained veterinarian or technician
3. Accurate measuring equipment
4. The right size cuff properly applied to the limb.
Veterinarians who teach BP seminars point out the most
important requirements are the skill, training, and patience of
the person taking BP. Also, a calm animal is essential.
petMAP is specifically designed to allow the user to get good
determinations while also calming the animal. Even so, many
animals will require extra time and patience. If an animal is
restless, giving them 8 to 10 minutes to calm down may help
and should restore their BP to their usual level.
Accurate BP readings, even on a relaxed animal, require
proper cuff size and a “snug-tight” fit. Use the “optimum”
lines (see CritterCuff information).
If you have trouble getting good determinations, try:
1. Calming the animal so that they are not moving
2. Checking cuff size for “optimum” fit and snugness
3. Gathering more operator patience.
Cold Animals: If the animal is noticeably cold, it may require
5 to 6 attempts in order to achieve any BP reading.
Trembling Animals: It will be very difficult to get accurate BP
readings on a trembling animal since the rhythmic motion of the
cuff can mimic the rhythmic beat of the heart.
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