Comparison of an implantable telemetry device and an oscillometric monitor for measurement of blood pressure in anaesthetized and unrestrained green iguanas (Iguana iguana).
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare an implanted direct blood pressure monitor and a non-invasive oscillometric unit for use in anesthetized and awake green iguanas.


METHODS
Prospective experimental trial.


METHODS
Four male and four female adult green iguanas (Iguana iguana) weighing 1833 +/- 534 g.


METHODS
For each animal, the carotid artery was surgically exposed and the catheter tip of the pressure transducer was placed in the aortic arch. Non-invasive blood pressure was measured using a cuff over the left femoral region. Pulse rate, respiratory rate and arterial blood pressure (ABP) measurements were taken every 5 minutes. Direct ABP measurements consisted of recording numerical values and graphic output. Simultaneous direct and indirect measurements were repeated in awake animals.


RESULTS
The oscillometric device failed to provide a reading in over 80% of attempts, and failed to provide readings that correlated with direct measurements. The implanted direct transducer was capable of detecting blood pressures throughout all ABP ranges examined.


CONCLUSIONS
The implantable transducer was a reliable means of determining blood pressure in this study, while the oscillometric device was unreliable and often failed to provide any reading.


CONCLUSIONS
We do not recommend using the oscillometric device as described in a research or clinical setting for green iguanas. The advantages of an implantable device include the ability to monitor awake and anesthetized subjects remotely and continuously. These monitors are small, biocompatible and function across a wide range of ABP.
Chinnadurai
Sathya K
SK
Department of Clinical Sciences and Environmental Medicine Consortium, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. schinnadurai@yahoo.com
DeVoe
Ryan
R
Koenig
Amie
A
Gadsen
Nadia
N
Ardente
Amanda
A
Divers
Stephen J
SJ
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors / Q000662:veterinary*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D007076:Iguanas / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D056152:Respiratory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D013686:Telemetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*