Heart sounds are best auscultated over the left lower lateral thoracic wall between the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces, typically where the elbow crosses the chest wall when the forelimb is pulled caudally.

The arterial pulse is best palpated at the femoral artery on the medial aspect of the proximal thigh in the inguinal area (Figure 17 and 18). The arterial pulse can also be palpated at the dorsal metatarsal artery on the dorso-medial aspect of the proximal hind paw, distal to the hock (ankle).