C25 - Effect of Audible Static on Blood Pressure Measurements by Doppler Ultrasonic Sphygmomanometry in Cats

Abstract: It is not known whether audible static from the Doppler ultrasonic flow detector device affects blood pressure readings in cats.



Objective

To determine whether the use of headphones by the veterinary professional during Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry alters the average blood pressure measurement in conscious cats.



Animals

Twenty-seven client-owned cats ( >1 year)



Methods

Randomized, crossover study design. Healthy cats ( >1 year) were enrolled. Blood pressure measurements using the right forelimb were obtained twice 14 days apart with Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry with or without the use of headphones by a veterinarian. A fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) score (0 = relaxed; 1 = mild signs; 2-3 = moderate signs; 4 = severe signs) was recorded. The first blood pressure measurement was discarded and the average measurement was calculated using the remaining 5 measurements. A repeated measures two-way ANOVA was used to compare the effect of headphones on blood pressure measurements. Spearman correlation was used to determine association between blood pressure measurement and FAS score.


Results

Seventeen adult cats and 10 mature and senior cats with a median age of 4 years (range, 1-14 years) participated. The mean +/- SD blood pressure measurement taken with headphones (133 +/- 19 mmHg) was lower compared to the measurement taken without headphones (143 +/- 18 mmHg; mean difference, 10 +/- SE 4 mmHg; P = 0.01). No association between the average blood pressure measurement and FAS score was found.



Conclusions

The use of headphones during Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry reduces situational hypertension in conscious cats.