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Proper Use
23
The ECG recording
in dogs and cats
is performed when the
examined animal is in a forced lying position, on the right side,
the forelimbs are extended perpendicular to the body and the
back ones are at the angle of 45
. In dogs, 3 standard and 3
augmented leads are recorded, and also four chest leads (at
the fifth or sixth intercostal space). In cats, only 3 standard and
3 augmented leads are recorded for the time being. The elec-
trodes are applied directly on the skin pretreated with alcohol
and moistened with conductive fluid (electrode gel). It is not
necessary to cut out the wool in the areas of electrode place-
ment except for long-term cardiac monitoring. In practice, it is
also allowed to apply electrode gel on the already placed elec-
trode. If the examined animal is very anxious during the place-
ment of alligator electrode clips, put two-layer gauze moistened
with saline under the clips. As it is difficult to fix the clips in small
dogs and cats, ECG recording is allowed in a free sitting or
standing position in these animals.
The placement of limb and chest electrodes on a dog is shown
in Fig. 11.
Fig. 11. Placement of limb and chest electrodes on a dog.