There are some challenges for critical care veterinarians when it comes to measuring blood pressure in animals.
Jamie M. Burkitt, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of clinical surgical and radiological sciences at the University of California, Davis, explains that the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement recommends a period of acclimation for animals prior to measuring blood pressure. However, as Dr. Burkitt points out, this is often not feasible in emergency situations.