Determination of blood pressure by indirect methods in dogs given acetylpromazine maleate.

This study was designed to monitor and compare indirect blood pressures by two methods (ultrasonic Doppler and photoelectric) after intravenous acetylpromazine maleate at three different doses (0.11, 0.55, and 1.10 mg/kg). Sixteen unanesthetized dogs were placed in right lateral recumbency and pressures estimated from the left hind leg at two preinjection times and at 3, 15, 60 and 120 minutes postinjection. This procedure was followed for each dog for each of the three doses. Preinjection ultrasonic mean values and standard deviations were similar to published values. Photoelectric systolic pressures were lower and diastolic pressures higher than ultrasonic systolic and diastolic pressures. The decrease in blood pressure was detected by both methods. Neither method revealed a dose related response.