Basics of monitoring equipment.

Monitoring equipment has become reliable and affordable for use in general veterinary practice. This article provides a guide to technology, troubleshooting, and obtaining quality data using 4 non-invasive techniques that are commonly used in practice. Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood, capnography measures the carbon dioxide content of inspired and expired gas, and either Doppler shift detection or oscillometry can be used to measure blood pressure. These useful non-invasive techniques all rely on adequate perfusion of the tissues for optimum function.