Is non-invasive blood pressure comparably accurate to the invasive method in cats?

Published:

2026-06-24

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v11i2.735

Abstract

PICO Question

In cats, is blood pressure measurement using non-invasive methods (Doppler or oscillometric) comparable to invasive arterial blood pressure measurement (direct arterial telemetry)?

 

Clinical bottom line

Category of research

Diagnosis.

Number and type of study designs reviewed

Thirteen method comparison studies and one prospective experimental study (fourteen total).

Strength of evidence

Moderate.

Outcomes reported

For oscillometry: two studies found it to be comparable; five studies found it to only be comparable in certain circumstances; and four studies found it not to be comparable (11 studies total measuring oscillometric). For Doppler: no studies found it to be completely comparable; two studies found it to be comparable under certain circumstances; and five found it not to be comparable (seven studies total measuring Doppler).

Conclusion

The evidence is mixed and suggests that Doppler in cats is not comparable to the reference standard (invasive measurement) or may only be comparable under certain conditions. Oscillometry may be comparable to the reference standard but is also often found to only be comparable under specific conditions. There is more evidence for the comparability of oscillometry than for Doppler, particularly for measurement of mean arterial pressure.

References

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