A comparison of direct and indirect (oscillometric) measurements of arterial blood pressure in anaesthetised dogs, using tail and limb cuffs

Oscillometric measurements of arterial blood pressure were compared with direct measurements in anaesthetised dogs being monitored during routine surgery. Readings were obtained with tail cuffs and limb cuffs and the reproducibility (precision) of the readings from various cuff sites was also compared in conscious dogs. Tail cuffs gave the best precision in conscious dogs and the closest correlation with direct measurements in anaesthetised dogs, especially for systolic pressure. The proximal hindlimb site gave results with a slightly lower precision.

[Monofrequency oscilloresistometry--possibilities and limits of a non-invasive method for respiratory resistance measurement in calves]

The monofrequency forced oscillation technique (MFOT) has been found to be a simple, reproducible, fast and accurate method to carry out lung function testing in calves even under field conditions. If some technical as well as methodological requirements are taken into account, pulmonary or respiratory resistance can be assessed by means of the parameter oscillatory resistance (Ros). Furthermore, several Ros derived parameters are available for describing the functional status of the central bronchial system. Due to the low variability caused by methodological or intraindividual reasons, the MFOT represents a very qualified method for intraindividual studies. Comparing measuring results of different subjects, a higher biologically caused variance has to be taken into account.

Oscillatory measurements, blood gas analysis and clinical observations after intravenous clenbuterol administration in healthy and acutely pneumonic calves

The effects of clenbuterol (Ventipulmin, Boehringer Ingelheim) on respiratory functions were investigated in 6 calves aged 4-6 weeks prior to and after experimental infection with Pasteurella haemolytica A1. On days 1-3 (prior to infection) and on days 7-9 (after infection), blood gas analysis, monofrequency forced oscillation techniques and clinical examinations (heart rate, respiratory rate) were conducted for 135 min after the intravenous administration of clenbuterol (0.8 microgram/kg body weight). In healthy calves prior to Pasteurella infection, intravenous administration of clenbuterol induced a mild tachycardia and a reduction in the mean oscillatory respiratory resistance. Using the same dose of clenbuterol in diseased calves after infection, the statistically significant reduction in oscillatory respiratory resistance was more impressive and it was accompanied by a significant increase in the oxygen pressure of the arterialized blood. Heart rate and respiratory rate did not change significantly after the administration of clenbuterol in infected calves.

Monofrequency oscillation technique in healthy and pneumonic calves younger than 2 months--physiological values and methodological aspects

Using the monofrequency oscillation technique, the oscillatory measured resistance of the respiratory system (Ros) was determined in healthy and pneumonic calves younger than 2 months. Using a face mask, measurements were done in unsedated animals directly in the calfhouse. 106 clinically healthy calves were examined to determine the physiological range of Ros. Calves suffering from pneumonia showed significantly higher values of Ros which were positively correlated with the severity of pneumonic lesions as established by pathological investigations. In healthy calves, the variability of Ros due to biological aspects was found to be much higher than methodologically caused variability. It is concluded that the monofrequency oscillation technique is useful especially in individual investigations, e.g. control of therapy.