• Heart sounds are best auscultated over the lower lateral thoracic wall between the 4th-5th intercostal spaces, typically where the elbow crosses the chest wall when the forelimb is pulled caudally (See Figure 17).

 

Figure 17.  Heart Sounds Location.

Figure 17 shows optimal location for auscultation of the heart sounds and palpation of the heartbeat, in the 4th-6th intercostal space just above the sternum and just caudal to the elbow.

Figure 17.  Heart Sounds Location. 
  • The arterial pulse is best palpated at the femoral artery on the medial aspect of the proximal thigh in the inguinal area, or at the dorsal metatarsal artery on the dorsal aspect of the proximal hind paw. (Figure 18a and Figure 18b)
  • Arterial blood pressure measurement is best measured non-invasively using the dorsal metatarsal artery, located on the dorsal aspect of the hind paw. Alternative sites are the lower forearm and tail base. Neonatal (size 4 or 5) or pediatric (size 6-8) human cuffs and an oscillometric technique work well. Use pediatric settings on the monitor.

 

Figure 18a.  Pulse location on standing MWD.

Figure 18 shows location for palpation of the femoral arterial pulse, in the inguinal region on the medial aspect of the proximal thigh.

Figure 18a.  Pulse Location on Standing MWD.

Figure 18b.  Pulse location on recumbent MWD.

Figure 18 shows location for palpation of the femoral arterial pulse, in the inguinal region on the medial aspect of the proximal thigh.

Figure 18b.  Pulse Location on Recumbent MWD.
  • ECG adhesive electrodes should be taped to the pads of the paws of the left forelimb (black lead), right forelimb (white lead), and left hind limb (red lead), as shown in Figure 19. 3-lead electrocardiograms are the norm and are sufficient. Canine ECG complexes resemble human complexes, with minor variations in key electrocardiographic intervals.

 

Figure 19.  Placement of ECG Electrode Pads.

Figure 19 shows a technique for placement of adhesive ECG electrodes.

Figure 19.  Placement of ECG Electrode Pads.
  • Pulse oximetry probes used for people (typically finger probes) are best placed on the tongue for optimal reliability (See Figure 20) in unconscious, sedated or anesthetized dogs. In conscious dogs, use the ear pinna, lip fold, or flank skin fold; while not optimal for oximetry, these alternate sites generally yield reliable results in most instances.

 

Figure 20.  Placement of Human Pulse Oximeter Finger Probe on Tongue

Figure 20 shows a technique for placement of standard human pulse oximeter finger probe on the tongue of an anesthetized dog.

Figure 20.  Placement of Human Pulse Oximeter Finger Probe on Tongue.