The Effect of Cuff Width on Accuracy of Indirect Measurement of Blood Pressure in Dogs

The effect of cuff width on indirect blood pressure measurement in dogs was studied by comparing indirect systolic readings with simultaneous intra-arterial pressures. Seven cuffs varying in width from 3 to 5.6 cm. were used on dogs of different sizes. The results indicate that the proper cuff width depends on the forelimb circumference and on the size of the dog. Narrow cuffs give too high values for large dogs and wide cuffs give erratic, often too low, values for small dogs.