Vet-Dop

The Vet-Dop2 is designed for veterinarians to screen for hypertension, to check blood pressure in surgery, to monitor blood flow at the extremities during surgery and to check for intact blood vessels after trauma and before amputation. The non-invasive Doppler technique is the method of choice for measuring blood pressure in animals weighing less than 15 pounds, especially cats. Other methods, including monitors that use the oscillometric technique with small animal validated software may not calculate pressures as quickly especially on awake, smaller patients. The Vet-Dop2 also works well on larger breeds and can detect blood flow at the base of the tail in horses. The Vet-Dop2 is the Doppler of choice and preferred by experts in the field of veterinary blood pressure measurement.

The Vet-Dop2 uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery good for approximately 40 hours between charges. Low noise electronics provides clear blood flow audio through the built-in speaker. Stereo audio headphones that by-pass the speaker are included since speaker sounds may startle the animal. The Vet-Dop2 includes a sensitive 9.4 MHz., focused transducer that can be held in place with the finger or thumb while steadying the limb with the same hand, or may be secured to the limb using one of the Velcro straps provided. A pressure pump and gauge (sphygmomanometer), stereo audio headphones, a set of six cuffs, instructions and a 19 minute procedural video are included with each Vet-Dop2. Six cuffs cover limb circumferences from 3.3 to 16.8 cm. This range includes animals from small kittens to large dogs.

In a recent study, 61% of cats and 93% of dogs with chronic renal failure also had systemic hypertension. Also, 87% of cats with untreated hyperthyroidism had systemic hypertension. Cushing diseased dogs should be checked for hypertension. All geriatric pets should also be routinely checked for hypertension. "It is almost mandatory that every veterinary practice have the capabilities for blood pressure screening and monitoring. The Doppler is the preferred instrument for obtaining non-invasive, accurate consistent systolic readings in awake dogs and cats. The Vet-Dop technology is so easy to use and represents an essential piece of equipment that every practice should have." Larry Tilley, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine).

"...the systolic blood pressure readings were virtually identical between the three units, however the Vet-Dop was much more sensitive in detecting arterial blood flow. This means that the blood pressure determinations were performed more rapidly and more consistently using the Vet-Dop. It is my opinion that the Vet-Dop is a significant improvement in obtaining systolic blood pressure readings compared to the other Doppler equipment that I used in this trial." Gary Norsworthy, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Feline Specialty), Alamo Feline Health Center, San Antonio, TX

Features

* "An Overview of Hypertension and Use of the Vet-Dop to Measure Animal Systolic Blood Pressure", Gary Norsworthy, DVM ©Vmed Technology, 2002-2009

Blood Pressure Accessories These items are compatible with other Doppler instruments and can be purchased separately.

Doppler Blood Pressure The Doppler is placed distal to a cuff and is used like a stethoscope to detect the onset of blood flow as the cuff is deflated. Systolic pressure is read at this point on a pressure gauge. Accurate diastolic pressure is usually not detectable with Doppler, however because of the relatively broad band frequency response of the Vet-Dop, diastolic pressure is more likely to be detected. The cuff width should be selected based on the limb size and should never be smaller than the diameter of the limb used but can be up to twice this diameter without affecting accuracy. To measure blood pressure you need the Vet-Dop to detect blood flow, a cuff inflator with gauge (sphygmomanometer) and a blood pressure cuff of the appropriate size. We offer a set of 6 cuff sizes for limb circumferences from 3.3 to 16 cm that cover most small animal applications. Ultrasound gel is needed to ensure a good acoustical connection between the probe and the animal's skin. Some clinicians prefer to use a headset so the animal is not frightened by the Doppler signal although by keeping the volume low this may not be a problem.

Indirect Blood Pressure Determination in Cats using Doppler Ultrasonic and Oscillometric Methods "Blood pressure measurements obtained using Doppler ultrasonic flow meter and an oscillometric device in 11 conscious cats were compared. Systolic blood pressure was not significantly different from each other (p<0.05) within a range from 100 to 150 mmHg (Doppler) rsp. 101 to 154 mmHg (oscillometric device) using cuffs with a width 41.2% rsp 44.3% the limb circumference. The oscillometric device failed when blood pressure was low, it required more time to obtain readings and measurements were less consistent compared to the Doppler technique. The Doppler flow meter detected a pulse under all conditions and readings were hardly influenced by movement in contrast to the oscillometric device." A Mollenhoff, I Nolte, S Kramer, Univ Leipzig, Fak Vet Med, Klin Kleintiere, Tierkliniken 23, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany. Tierarzliche Praxis Ausgabe Kleintiere Heimtiere, 2001, Vol 29, Iss 3 pp 191-197:

Using the Doppler as a Surgical Monitoring Device "Doppler flow technology presents several desirable characteristics over other monitoring devices as a surgical monitoring device. The ability of the Doppler to measure blood flow in a peripheral artery and generate an audible sound with each pulse provides the surgeon with an 'eyes free' way to evaluate their patient's cardiovascular performance while continuing to focus on their surgery. If the peripheral Doppler sound is good, the systolic blood pressure is within an acceptable range, and with a sphygmomanometer above the Doppler transducer, the systolic pressure can be easily and economically measured and entered into the anesthetic record. Although diastolic pressure cannot be measured this way, the reliability of Doppler blood pressure monitoring allows the anesthetist to spend less time fiddling with the monitor and more time monitoring the patient. Heart rate can also be monitored audibly and recorded. A particularly strong value of the Doppler is the ability of the anesthetist or surgeon to hear ventricular premature contractions (the most common arrhythmia under anesthesia) as a 'dropped sound' in and otherwise stable, rhythmic 'whoosh, whoosh, whoosh'; often in plenty of time to look up at the ECG tracing and watch the VPC go by on the screen! Supplemental ventilation of these patients will often resolve this common arrhythmia. Because the Doppler is portable, it can be moved with the patient easily when moving to radiology or the recovery area. Their low cost relative to other monitoring devices, reliability and toughness make them the best 'bang for the buck' surgical monitoring device in many people's opinion." R. Randy Bassinger, DVM, ACVS, South Carolina Veterinary Referral Center, Columbia, SC

Contact and Ordering Information

Terms Vmed products can be shipped from stock usually within 24 hours. Shipping and insurance charges, FOB point of origin, will be added to invoice. Payment terms are net 30 days for established accounts. We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards. If you are not completely satisfied, Vmed products may be returned for credit or refund, less shipping charges, if returned within 30 days of receipt and not damaged or soiled. ECG interpretation software may be returned for full credit any time prior to product registration.

TRADEMARKS: Vet-Dop, BP-AccuGard, PC-VetChek and PC-VetGard+ and vmedtech are trademarks of Vmed Technology. The Bluetooth logo is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG Group.