How to perform a blood pressure measurement in a cat

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Rachel Corman, a feline specialist at VSS, along with nurse Shelley, demonstrates the proper technique for measuring a cat's blood pressure using a Doppler device. They emphasize the importance of selecting the correct cuff size, typically two centimeters for most cats, and caution against applying tape in a full 360-degree wrap which could affect readings. The process involves placing the cuff, applying gel to ensure contact with the artery, and using the Doppler probe to detect the pulse. They also highlight the need to start with low volume and apply minimal pressure. Dr. Corman advises taking multiple measurements and averaging them for accuracy, disregarding the first reading. The video is an excellent resource for cat owners or veterinary professionals looking to learn or improve their blood pressure measurement skills on felines.

Takeaways

• 🔬 **Cuff Size Matters**: Use a 2 cm cuff for most cats, a 1 cm for very small ones, and a 3 cm for larger cats.
• 📏 **Taping Technique**: Attach the cuff with a small piece of tape to prevent it from popping off, but avoid a 360-degree wrap which can affect readings.
• 🐾 **Hair Clipping Optional**: Some prefer not to clip hair at the back of the cat's foot to avoid distress.
• 👂 **Finding the Pulse**: Locate the pulse by feeling under the cat's foot instead of clipping hair.
• 💧 **Gel Application**: Apply gel to part the hairs on the back of the foot for better contact with the Doppler probe.
• 📻 **Volume Control**: Start with the volume low to avoid startling the cat or those around.
• 🎛️ **Probe Pressure**: Apply minimal pressure with the probe to the back of the foot to detect the pulse.
• 📉 **Initial Reading Disregard**: Disregard the first blood pressure measurement and take an average of the next five.
• ✋ **Sphygmomanometer Technique**: Ensure the hand of the sphygmomanometer is fully extended between each measurement for accuracy.
• 🤔 **Multiple Measurements**: Take several measurements and calculate the average for a more reliable result.
• ℹ️ **Further Assistance**: For additional questions, contact the clinic or visit their website for more information.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video transcript?

The speaker in the video transcript is Dr. Rachel Corman, a feline specialist at VSS.

What is the main topic of the demonstration?

The main topic of the demonstration is how to perform a Doppler blood pressure test on a cat.

What is the typical cuff size used for most cats during the blood pressure test?

The typical cuff size used for most cats is two centimeters.

Why is it important not to tape the cuff in a 360-degree fashion?

Taping the cuff in a 360-degree fashion could affect the blood pressure readings, leading to inaccurate results.

Why does Dr. Corman prefer not to clip the hair at the back of the cat's foot?

Dr. Corman prefers not to clip the hair because some cats can get distressed by the clippers.

How does Dr. Corman ensure proper contact with the artery during the test?

Dr. Corman ensures proper contact with the artery by applying plenty of gel to part the hairs on the back of the cat's foot and using the crystal probe.

What is the initial step in using the Doppler device?

The initial step is to start with the volume turned down low to avoid startling anyone when the device is switched on.

How should the crystal probe be applied to the cat's foot?

The crystal probe should be applied lightly to the back of the cat's foot without applying much pressure.

What is the procedure for inflating and deflating the cuff?

The cuff should be inflated until the sound of the cat's pulse is no longer audible, then gradually deflated until the pulse sound is heard again.

Why does Dr. Corman disregard the first measurement of blood pressure?

Dr. Corman disregards the first measurement to ensure accuracy, and instead takes an average of the next five measurements.

What is the recommended action between each measurement to improve accuracy?

The hand of the sphygmomanometer should be brought all the way to the bottom between each measurement.

How can viewers get more information or ask additional questions about the procedure?

Viewers can contact the clinic at any time or visit their website for further information.

Outlines

00:00

🐾 Measuring Blood Pressure in Cats

Dr. Rachel Corman, a feline specialist at VSS, along with nurse Shelley and a cat named Mort, demonstrate how to measure blood pressure using a Doppler device. The process begins with selecting the appropriate cuff size for the cat, typically two centimeters for most cats. A small piece of tape is used to secure the cuff, but care is taken not to tape it in a full 360-degree fashion, as this could affect readings. Hair clipping is avoided to prevent distress, and instead, the pulse is located by touch before applying gel to the back of the foot to ensure good contact with the artery. The demonstration continues with turning the volume low on the device, applying the crystal probe gently to the back of the foot, and listening for the pulse sound. The cuff is then inflated until the pulse sound is no longer audible and gradually deflated until the sound returns. The first measurement is disregarded, and an average is taken from the next five measurements to ensure accuracy. The hand of the sphygmomanometer is fully extended between each measurement to maintain precision.

Keywords

💡Doppler Blood Pressure

Doppler blood pressure is a non-invasive method used to measure blood pressure by utilizing the Doppler effect to detect the movement of blood through an artery. In the video, Dr. Rachel Corman demonstrates how to perform this procedure on a cat, which is relevant to veterinary medicine and pet care.

💡Cuff

A cuff is a device used in blood pressure measurement that is wrapped around the limb. In the context of the video, the size of the cuff is crucial, with most cats requiring a two-centimeter cuff. The proper application of the cuff is discussed to ensure accurate readings.

💡Tape

Tape is used to secure the cuff in place during the blood pressure measurement. However, it is important not to apply tape in a 360-degree fashion around the cuff, as this could affect the accuracy of the blood pressure readings. The use of tape is mentioned to highlight the correct procedure.

💡Pulse

The pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery as the heart beats. In the video, Dr. Corman feels for the pulse under her finger and uses it to guide the placement of the Doppler probe, which is essential for accurately measuring blood pressure.

💡Gel

Gel is a substance used to facilitate the transmission of sound waves between the Doppler probe and the skin. It is applied to the back of the cat's foot to ensure good contact with the artery, which is vital for successful blood pressure measurement.

💡Crystal Probe

The crystal probe is the part of the Doppler device that emits and receives sound waves to detect the pulse. In the video, it is applied to the back of the cat's foot with minimal pressure to pick up the sound of the pulse without causing discomfort.

💡Volume

Volume refers to the loudness of the sound produced by the Doppler device when the pulse is detected. Dr. Corman advises starting with the volume turned down low to avoid startling the cat or those present during the procedure.

💡Inflation

Inflation is the process of filling the cuff with air to a certain pressure. In the video, the cuff is inflated until the sound of the pulse is no longer heard, which helps determine the systolic blood pressure.

💡Deflation

Deflation is the controlled release of air from the cuff to measure the blood pressure. The process is described in the video as gradually letting the cuff deflate until the pulse sound returns, which assists in identifying the diastolic pressure.

💡Measurement

Measurement in the context of the video refers to the act of obtaining a blood pressure reading. Dr. Corman disregards the first measurement and takes an average of the next five to ensure accuracy, which is a common practice in veterinary medicine.

💡Sphygmomanometer

A sphygmomanometer is the instrument used to measure blood pressure. In the video, it is mentioned in relation to ensuring the hand of the device is correctly positioned for accurate readings, emphasizing the importance of proper technique.

Highlights

Demonstrating how to do a Doppler blood pressure reading in a cat

Most cats use a 2 cm cuff, small cats use 1 cm, large cats use 3 cm

Tape should not be applied in a 360 degree fashion around the cuff to avoid affecting readings

Clipping hair at the back of the foot is not necessary, just feel for the pulse

Apply gel to part the hairs on the back of the foot for better contact with the probe

Start with the volume turned down low to avoid startling the cat

Apply the crystal probe to the back of the foot with minimal pressure

Listen for the sound of the pulse as you inflate and deflate the cuff

Disregard the first measurement and take an average of the next 5 readings

Ensure the hand of the sphygmomanometer is at the bottom between each measurement

Final blood pressure reading example: 120/110/120

Contact clinic or visit website for any further questions

Proper cuff size is crucial for accurate readings

Avoid using clippers to prevent distress to the cat

Using plenty of gel improves contact with the artery

Inflating the cuff until the pulse sound disappears then gradually deflating to find the first sound

Taking multiple measurements and averaging them improves accuracy

Handling the probe lightly to avoid affecting the reading

Adjusting the volume to avoid startling the cat is important

Transcripts

hi i'm dr rachel corman i'm the feline

specialist

at vss and this is shelley one of our

nurses

and our gorgeous model mort and today

we'll be demonstrating

how to do a doppler blood pressure um in

a cat

so firstly we're doing

putting a cuff on so most cats tend to

be a two centimeter cuff

if you have a really small cat it might

be a one centimeter or a very large cat

might be a three centimeter but they

essentially

mostly work out to a two centimeter cuff

we just put a little bit of tape

on the cuff here just to make sure that

it doesn't pop off when you're inflating

the cuff

it's important to remember not to put

tape in a 360 degree fashion

around the cuff as that could have an

effect

on your blood pressure readings

so some people clip the hair at the back

of the foot i tend not to

i find that some cats can get a little

distressed by the clippers

so i tend to just

feel for the pulse

under my finger and then i just put a

little bit of the

gel to part the hairs

on the back of his foot

[Music]

because success for this is all about

getting contact

on the artery through the crystal

and with plenty of gel

all right so we start

with the volume turned right down low so

that it doesn't give everybody a fright

when you switch it on and then we're

applying the crystal

probe there to the back of the foot

you often don't need a lot of pressure

on the probe

and that's the sound of his pulse there

and i'm literally just holding that

probe on very very lightly

with my index finger

so next we take our speedometer

let all the pressure out of the cuff

then we inflate up until we can no

longer hear

the sound of his pulse

gradually let the cuff deflate

until we first hear the sound coming

back again of his pulse

now i disregard the first measurement

i take another five

and i take the average of those

measurements so another 120

make sure that the um hand

of the sphygmometer comes all the way to

the bottom in between each measurement

just to

help with your accuracy

120

110

120 and it's as easy as that

so if you have any other questions

please feel free to contact us at the

clinic at any time

or have a look on our website for

further information

you