Evaluation of pulse oximetry in anaesthetised foals using multiple combinations of transducer type and transducer attachment site.
Abstract: A commercially available pulse oximeter was evaluated in anaesthetised foals to determine its accuracy for estimating arterial haemoglobin saturation (SaO2). Five different transducer/transducer attachment site (TTAS) combinations were evaluated; 1-3) a fingertip transmission transducer attached to the foal's ear, lip and tongue, 4) an adhesive transmission transducer positioned on the foal's ear and 5) a forehead reflectance transducer placed on the ventral aspect of the foal's tail-base. Eight normal, Quarter Horse foals (age 5-10 days) were studied while under general anaesthesia. Alterations in arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) were produced by changing the level of ventilation. At each level of ventilation, alterations of arterial haemoglobin saturation (SaO2) were produced by varying the inspired fraction of oxygen (FIO2). At each level of ventilation and each level of FIO2, arterial blood samples were obtained for blood gas analysis while pulse oximeter readings were recorded simultaneously for each TTAS combination. Arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) was calculated from arterial blood gas values and the equine blood oxygen dissociation curve. Pulse oximeter readings from each TTAS combination were compared with SaO2 values with linear regression analyses. Bias and precision values were determined and the sensitivity and specificity of each TTAS combination for detecting desaturation (SaO2 < 90%) were determined. Linear regression analyses indicated significant (P < 0.05) linear correlation between oxygen saturation determined by pulse oximeter (SpO2) and SaO2 for each of the 5 TTAS combinations. The combinations TTAS-1, TTAS-3 and TTAS-4 tended slightly to underestimate SaO2 at high SaO2 ranges, but overestimated SaO2 at low ranges of SaO2. Combination TTAS-2 overestimated SaO2 over all ranges of SaO2. Combination TTAS-5 consistently underestimated SaO2 at all ranges of SaO2. In general, accuracy and precision of each TTAS combination decreased at lower SaO2 ranges. All TTAS combinations, except TTAS-2 and TTAS-4, had good sensitivity for detecting SaO2 less than 90%. All TTAS combinations except TTAS-5 demonstrated good specificity. We concluded that pulse oximetry appears to be a valuable method for assessing SaO2 and detecting desaturation in anaesthetised foals. Clinicians should be aware that the type of transducer used and the anatomical site to which it is attached can have marked effects on the accuracy of pulse oximetry; and that different TTAS combinations may behave differently over various ranges of SaO2.
Publication Date: 1996-11-01 PubMed ID: 9049492DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01615.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research examines the effectiveness of a commercial pulse oximeter, assessing arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in anaesthetised young horses (foals), using different types and placements of the transducer. The study found that the transducer type and placement significantly affected the accuracy of the readings and that these combinations varied in their behaviour across different SaO2 ranges.
Research Design and Methodology
- The study conducted an experiment on eight normal, anaesthetised Quarter Horse foals aged between 5 to 10 days.
- The study implemented five different combinations of transducer type and transducer attachment site on the foals, including the ear, lip, tongue and tail-base.
- The arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) levels were manipulated by adjusting the ventilation levels.
- At each ventilation level, arterial haemoglobin saturation (SaO2) modifications were imposed by altering the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).
- Simultaneously, the researchers collected arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis and pulse oximeter readings.
Data Analysis
- The researchers utilised arterial blood gas values and the equine blood oxygen dissociation curve to calculate arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2).
- Linear regression analyses were conducted to compare pulse oximeter readings with SaO2 values for each transducer/transducer attachment site (TTAS) combination.
- The study also computed bias and precision values and determined the sensitivity and specificity of each TTAS combination for detecting desaturation (SaO2 < 90%).
Findings
- Significant linear correlation was found between oxygen saturation determined by pulse oximeter (SpO2) and SaO2 for all the five TTAS combinations.
- Some TTAS combinations tended to slightly underestimate SaO2 at high ranges while overestimating it at low ranges, while others overestimated or underestimated SaO2 across all ranges.
- The study found the accuracy and precision of different TTAS combinations decreased at lower SaO2 ranges.
- It was observed that the sensitivity for detecting SaO2 less than 90% was good for all TTAS combinations except TTAS-2 and TTAS-4.
- The specificity was found to be good with all TTAS combinations apart from TTAS-5.
Conclusions
- Pulse oximetry was deemed a valuable method for assessing SaO2 and detecting desaturation in anaesthetised foals.
- The study concludes that selection of transducer type and its attachment site considerably impacts the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings.
- Various combinations of TTAS behaved differently over numerous ranges of SaO2, stressing the need for clinicians to be aware of these factors.
Cite This Article
APA
Chaffin MK, Matthews NS, Cohen ND, Carter GK.
(1996).
Evaluation of pulse oximetry in anaesthetised foals using multiple combinations of transducer type and transducer attachment site.
Equine Vet J, 28(6), 437-445.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb01615.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Anesthesia / veterinary
- Animals
- Blood Gas Analysis / veterinary
- Carbon Dioxide / blood
- Female
- Hemoglobins / analysis
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Linear Models
- Male
- Oximetry / methods
- Oximetry / standards
- Oximetry / veterinary
- Oxygen / blood
- Pulmonary Ventilation / physiology
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Transducers / standards
- Transducers / veterinary
- Unconsciousness / blood
- Unconsciousness / physiopathology
- Unconsciousness / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Dörfelt R, Diels J, Hartmann K. Evaluation of the performance of two new generation pulse oximeters in cats at different probe positions and under the influence of vasoconstriction. J Feline Med Surg 2022 Oct;24(10):1026-1031.
- Grubb TL, Anderson DE. Assessment of clinical application of pulse oximetry probes in llamas and alpacas. Vet Med Sci 2017 Aug;3(3):169-175.
- Mansur M, Suárez T, Fernández-Larrea JB, Brizuela MA, González AE. Identification of a laccase gene family in the new lignin-degrading basidiomycete CECT 20197. Appl Environ Microbiol 1997 Jul;63(7):2637-46.
- Rossi HS, Mykkänen AK, Junnila JJT, Hyytiäinen HK. Pulse oximetry at two sensor placement sites in conscious foals. Acta Vet Scand 2025 Jan 23;67(1):6.
- Mtetwa TK, Snelling EP, Buss PE, Donaldson AC, Roug A, Meyer LCR. Reliability, clinical performance and trending ability of a pulse oximeter and pulse co-oximeter, in monitoring blood oxygenation, at two measurement sites, in immobilised white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). BMC Vet Res 2024 Jul 16;20(1):319.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
