Method of Photoplethysmography Diagnostics of Domesticated Animals Cardiovascular Diseases

At present time the standard procedure to diagnose cardiovascular diseases (CVD) of domesticated animals (dogs) is electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring at animal clinic. Sadly, results, obtained that way, are often mistaken because of stressful state of the animal, caused by medical manipulations [1]. The usage of photoplethysmography (PPG) method can become a good substitute for CVD monitoring. Main advantages of PPG, in compare with ECG, are single probe placement (on the ear or tailset), no need of gel electrodes and capability of measuring actual CVS parameters without need of special medical training or laboratory conditions. It is one of non-invasive methods for measuring the amount of the blood volume changes inside the blood vessels, applicable for cardio activity estimation by calculating heart rate variability. In most cases, PPG monitoring devises are small, easy to place and can monitor different physiological parameters of the animal, such as heart rate, pulse wave characteristics, blood oxygen saturation, etc.