White coat effect is an elevation in blood pressure due to stress or anxiety in a clinical setting. Differentiating white coat effect from true systemic hypertension can be challenging. The objective of this study was to further characterize white coat effect in client-owned dogs and to determine if pharmacologic manipulation (butorphanol) decreases this effect.

Thirty client-owned dogs were enrolled. Clients were trained to collect high definition oscillometric (HDO) blood pressure measurements at home, and then HDO measurements were obtained in the hospital before and after the administration of butorphanol. A client questionnaire was completed to assess level of anxiety with measurements at home and in hospital.

Diastolic blood pressure (DYS), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and arterial pulse rate (HR) were significantly higher in the hospital before butorphanol as compared with at home. The administration of butorphanol abrogated these differences. The HR was significantly lower after sedation as compared with before sedation in the hospital, but it remained significantly higher as compared with that obtained at home.

The subjective anxiety scores at home and in the hospital were significantly positively correlated with the systolic (SYS), DYS, and MAP. Anxiety scores at home and in hospital were significantly positively correlated.

In conclusion, higher DYS, MAP, and HR seen in the hospital is likely related to a white-coat effect. The administration of butorphanol decreased this effect.

Disclosures

No disclosures to report.