Pulse-oximetry in veterinary medicine

PULSE-OXIMETER: IT PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSPORT OF OXYGEN IN THE BLOOD

  • It determines how much of the haemoglobin in arterial blood is saturated with oxygen (SpO2);
  • The saturation of haemoglobin in the blood of a patient in normal conditions has a range of 95-99%;
  • Knowing the positioning of the probe, common reading problems and elements that affect it provides enormous help in monitoring vital parameters during anaesthesia.

POLSE-OXIMETRY

Pulse oximetry is a simple, non-invasive method of reading blood oxygen saturation. ?

? It also continuously measures heart rate and uses a light absorption technique to determine how much of the hemoglobin in arterial blood is saturated with oxygen (SpO2).

?For example, if an SpO2 reading is 97%, it means 97% of the red blood cells read by the probe had fully saturated oxygen hemoglobin molecules and 3% did not.
A value below 95% indicates hypoxemia.

✔Position: on a pigment-free tissue where skin contact can be made: mucous membranes such as the tongue and lip are used, but the foreskin, vulva, ear or space between the fingertips.

✔ Reading problems during anaesthesia (usually detects lower data) can be caused by:

  • Hypotension (always monitor blood pressure);
  • Drugs used for sedation (such as alpha 2-agonists);
  • Vasoconstriction;
  • Movement.

✔Limitations:
A limitation in SpO2 readings occurs in anemic animals where there are fewer but completely saturated red blood cells giving a normal SpO2, but overall there is still a reduced oxygen transport capacity because there is less hemoglobin. We also remind you that it does not provide any data on Co2 saturation.

Leave a Like❤ if you find it useful and remember to SAVE and SHARE this post by tagging me !! ?
Don’t forget to leave a comment.