Why might a veterinarian choose to use an indirect blood pressure monitor over a direct one?

Veterinarians may prefer to use an indirect blood pressure monitor primarily due to lower costs and ease of use. Indirect monitors, such as oscillometric devices or Doppler ultrasound, are generally less expensive compared to direct monitors, which require invasive procedures. Additionally, indirect monitors allow for quicker assessments in a clinic setting, making them more user-friendly and appropriate for routine examinations or initial evaluations, especially in a busy practice.

While accuracy is a concern, indirect monitors can provide reasonable estimates of blood pressure without the complications that come with direct measurement, which involves catheterization and carries a higher risk of complications. Faster results are also a factor with indirect methods, but the primary reason for choosing them often resides in their cost-effectiveness and convenience in a clinical environment. Comprehensive health assessments typically require more than just blood pressure readings and are not necessarily a direct benefit of using indirect methods.