Choosing your multi-parameter monitor

Choosing a new multi-parameter monitor for everyday use in your practice is not a light undertaking. It will inevitably come with significant financial investment and will need to serve the practice, possibly daily, for several years to come.

Features, performance, reliability, suitability, and price vary between different manufacturers and models. Some monitors are designed for specific needs that you may not require for most of your patients. In the below guide, we look at the features you need to consider in a monitor that covers your day-to-day requirements in a small animal veterinary practice.

If you are looking for a more in-depth guide or are considering a monitor that is also capable of monitoring more specialist patients, such as equine and exotics, you can read our full buyers guide here: Upgrading or investing? How to choose your new multi-parameter monitor.

Species range

For most small animal veterinary practices, a standard multi-parameter monitor will cover the range of species you see on a day-to-day basis. If you specialise in exotics, you may need to look at a more specialised monitor that can interpret heart rates in smaller animals. Some standard multi-parameter monitors even have lower sample rate options, meaning they can monitor even the smallest of kittens or small furies in your practice more accurately.

Portability and battery power

It is worthwhile considering where your monitor will be used. Is it going to be positioned in one place? Or moved around the practice? If it is to be moved around, does the monitor you are looking at have a trolley option or a carry handle?

Is there a wall-mount bracket available or an anaesthesia machine bracket for it to be fixed in one place? And how heavy is it if it's going to be moved around by your staff a lot? Some newer multi-parameter monitors are now surprisingly light.

Required parameters

ECG monitoring

This is a simple monitoring modality which, usually requires the placement of 3 or 4 cables at strategic points on the patient. 

A 3-cable ECG is usually standard, this will give you one channel at a time (Leads I-III). This is normally Lead II, but some monitors allow you to select the channel you wish to view. For example, you may have placed red, green and yellow cables on your patient and be viewing a Lead II trace (Red-Green), but you may be able to change this to a Lead I trace (Red-Yellow), or a Lead III trace (Red-Green).

For patient monitoring purposes, showing only one lead at a time is often all that is needed and usually, Lead II is the most informative. Another consideration for this is whether you require an oesophageal probe, as not all multi-parameter monitors support these. (How to choose your new multi-parameter monitor).

Temperature monitoring

Ensure the suitability of the available probes in terms of length and size relative to the patient range that you will be using the monitor for. Oesophageal probes often have a temperature sensor embedded in them allowing ECG and temperature measurements to be taken without the inconvenience of multiple cables across the operating table. (How to choose your new multi-parameter monitor).

Capnography

There are two methods of capnography – mainstream or sidestream:

Mainstream capnography

A small cube-like sensor is connected to the end of the endotracheal (ET) tube and the inhaled/exhaled gases pass through the sensor.

Sidestream capnography

A small sampling line takes some of the inhaled/exhaled gas to the monitor and performs the analysis inside the unit. (How to choose your new multi-parameter monitor).

For a wide range of patients, especially when that range covers a lot of very small animals such as small furies and cats, sidestream capnography is the most suitable option. Most multi-parameter monitors only offer sidestream capnography as standard.

Blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is used in conscious patients and those under anaesthesia, therefore, consider whether this feature will be used outside of the operating theatre or whether the unit would be a dedicated theatre unit. Size and portability may impact your decision if the unit is to be used for both.

For routine small animal caseloads, NIBP is the most common method and is standard on most multi-parameter monitors, but do check, as some monitors need extra parameter modules added. IBP may be required when monitoring horses or when monitoring small animals in the intensive care environment.

Anaesthetic agent monitoring

Enhance anaesthesia safety and efficiency with optional multi-gas monitoring. Benefits of multi-gas monitoring:

• - Supports low-flow anaesthesia by delivering precise agent control, reducing waste and lowering costs
• - Improves anaesthetic depth control for safer, more stable procedures
• - Supports safer monitoring practices through more accurate and continuous gas monitoring
• - Enhances clinical confidence with precise monitoring and control throughout procedures

What to look out for when buying a multi-parameter monitor

When you're choosing a monitor, what's included in the package is a key consideration. Does it come with a trolley or mounting option? Are all necessary accessories included, or will you have to purchase additional items like an exhaust kit? Finally, does the company offer a reliable repair and service plan to minimise downtime?

Our top pick for everyday patient monitoring of small animals

Mindray uMEC12 Multi-Parameter Monitor is a trusted veterinary monitor that provides everything you need for everyday patient monitoring, offering reliability and simplicity. Adaptable at the time of order, the standard model includes everything needed for essential monitoring, including ECG, Temperature, SPO₂, NIBP, and respiration, with the option for additional parameters such as CO2 and IBP to be added at the time of ordering.

Dependable performance is paired with a simple, intuitive interface, making it well-suited to efficient monitoring in busy veterinary environments. Its large touchscreen and straightforward, fixed configuration make it quick to set up and easy to use, enabling your clinical team to obtain accurate patient data with confidence and minimal training.

Whether used during anaesthesia or for general patient observation, the uMEC12 delivers stable, real-time data that supports safe and effective clinical decision-making. Its practical design integrates seamlessly into daily workflows, helping improve efficiency across the team while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Our top pick for small animals and specialist patients

The Mindray ePM12 is a multi-parameter monitor designed for a variety of veterinary patients, from small animals and exotics to equine. The ePM12’s key benefit is its adaptability. Start with commonly used parameters – SPO₂, ECG, NIBP, Temperature & Respiration and expand when your clinic needs grow, with additional modules that just slot into the back, including CO₂, IBP and agent monitoring.

Whether used for routine veterinary procedures, advanced anaesthesia, or supporting low-flow techniques, the Mindray ePM12 delivers consistent, high-quality data you can trust, while its scalable design allows you to enhance functionality over time, protecting your investment and future-proofing your growing practice.

Building on the trusted Mindray uMEC12 platform, the ePM12 introduces a significantly enhanced user experience alongside upgraded performance. Features such as CrozFusion™ ECG technology, improved SpO₂ accuracy, and optional anaesthetic agent measurement work together to reduce false alarms, improve data reliability, and support safer, more efficient anaesthesia management.

If a full multi-parameter monitor isn't a fit for your practice, there are excellent alternative options available. For example, the Suntech Vet20 offers reliable blood pressure monitoring for small animals such as cats. For simple, handheld capnography, the M880B features an easy-to-use touchscreen, making day-to-day use a breeze. No matter your budget, you can find a solution that helps you monitor patients effectively and with confidence.

Making your decision

Choosing the right monitor for your practice is a big decision, and we know all the options can feel overwhelming. If you need a little help, our experts are here for you on 01622 834300, or complete our online contact form to get started.

References: K Simpson, C Scales (2022): Upgrading or Investing? How to choose your multi-parameter monitor. Available from: burtonsveterinary.com