Objective: To determine appropriate measurement conditions for arterial blood pressure in dogs.

Design: Five beagles were used for the study. Factors examined included blood pressure changes over time, differences due to environment, and differences due to where on the animal the pressure was measured. Arterial blood pressures were measured at pre, 5, 10 and 15 minutes, in the dog's own cage and on the consulting table, and from its tail, fore leg and hind leg. The indirect blood pressure measurement machine BP100D (FUKUDA M-E KOGYO CO.,Ltd.) was used. Heart rate (HR), systolic pressure (SYS), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic pressure (DIA) are measured by the oscillometric method.

Results: For HR, the pre value decreased significantly after 15 minutes. he pre measurement for SYS was decreased after 10 minutes and decreased further after 15 minutes and then became stable. For MAP and DIA, there was no significant differences between the pre values and those at 5, 10, and 15 minutes. For HR, a significant difference was recognized between the consulting table and the cage. SYS, MAP and DIA did not show significant differences between the two locations. SYS, MAP and DIA were not affected by body location.

Conclusion: For accuracy, arterial blood pressure should be measured 15 minutes after the cuff is placed. Environment and body location do not seem to influence the result.