Determination of Indirect Blood Pressure in the Companion Bird

The information gathered through arterial blood pressure measurement must be correctly interpreted for appropriate decisions to be made. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted against the blood vessel wall during systole. Although direct arterial pressure measurement is ideal, it is not commonly used because of the need for specific technical skill, invasive nature of the procedure, and cost of equipment. All indirect blood pressure measurement techniques are based on detection of blood flow beneath an inflated cuff. Systolic blood pressure determination via ultrasonic Doppler flow detection (Doppler) has been found to correlate well with direct blood pressure measurements in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Clinical techniques and applications for Doppler blood pressure monitoring will be discussed. Treatment of hypotension involves monitoring blood pressure, removal of the underlying cause, and volume support for hypovolemia. Hypertension has not yet been defined in the psittacine species. The routine use of blood pressure monitoring in the avian species can provide the clinician with a better knowledge base about intravascular volume status to avoid or minimize long-term complications of hypertension.