Arterial Catheterization, Interpretation, and Treatment of Arterial Blood Pressures and Blood Gases in Birds

Blood pressure monitoring of patients has become increasingly common in companion animal veterinary hospitals, especially during anesthesia, surgical procedures, critical care, and general health assessments. Determining an animal’s blood pressure has become a standard part of the routine diagnostic evaluation for monitoring hypertension in geriatric patients or patients affected with renal insufficiency, cardiac disease, vision loss, or endocrine disorders. To increase the standard of care in exotic and zoological medicine, new diagnostic techniques must be identified and implemented. Blood pressure measurements in avian species are more challenging because only direct blood pressure techniques have been reported to be accurate. Arterial catheterization and interpretation can be daunting without the knowledge of avian physiology and anatomy; however, techniques for placing arterial catheters are not difficult once clinicians have gained sufficient experience. This article describes the techniques, anatomy, and appropriate interpretation of blood pressure results obtained through arterial catheterization in birds.