[Indirect blood pressure determination in the horse with the Dinamap 1255 research monitor].

This research focuses on the accuracy of the Dinamap 1255 research monitor, an oscillometric device, in measuring horses’ blood pressure and comparing it with values obtained from a direct measurement method in the arteria carotis. The researchers found that while initial oscillometric readings were in correlation with direct methods, it lacked precision—especially when there were fluctuations in blood pressure.

Objectives of the Research

• The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and feasibility of using the Dinamap 1255 research monitor, an oscillometric device, for measuring blood pressure in horses.
• The researchers juxtaposed readings obtained from this instrument with those acquired from a direct arteria carotis method, considered the traditional approach.

Key Findings

• Following initial measurements, it was established that the Dinamap 1255 monitor offered enough correlation with values obtained from direct arteria carotis measurement in standing horses.
• However, there were challenges with the timing of blood pressure changes. The Dinamap 1255 monitor proved slow in registering blood pressure changes, making it difficult to track immediate fluctuations accurately.
• This lag became particularly significant when a substantial increase in blood pressure occurred.
• Another limitation uncovered was that the oscillometric device couldn’t deliver a reliable blood pressure measurement when dealing with uneven and irregular pulse waves.

Implications of the Findings

• While the Dinamap 1255 monitor was somewhat effective in standing horses for initial blood pressure measurements, its inability to track swift blood pressure changes accurately could limit its applicability in practical veterinary usage.
• The failure to handle uneven and irregular pulse waves also significantly undermines the device’s reliability.
• These findings are important for equine health specialists who rely on reliable blood pressure data for managing horse health, illustrating that they might need to exercise caution when considering oscillometric devices like Dinamap 1255 for these measurements.