Instructions on Canine Holter Monitoring

A holter monitor is a noninvasive device that monitors cardiac rhythm during the dog's normal daily activities. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may miss or underestimate an underlying arrhythmia. This 24-hour holter monitor can detect heart problems that other tests can miss. The device comes with all necessary components and is easy to use. The holter monitor will detect abnormal heart rhythms in their early stages.

Things You'll Need

  • 9-volt battery
  • Audio tape
  • 1- and 2-inch white adhesive tape
  • 4-inch surgical elastic tape
  • Sticky electrodes
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Gauze or cotton balls
  • Clippers with(close shave blade
  • Activity log
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the 9-volt battery into the holter monitor unit. Fill in all information on the activity log such as your name, dog's name and date.

    • 2

      Lie your dog on its side. Shave your dog's chest on both sides behind the elbows to leave a space large enough to place three electrodes on both sides. The electrodes are to be spaced about an inch apart.

    • 3

      Use 1-inch tape to secure the electrodes to the chest on both sides, exposing the metal snap buttons. Each electrode will be secured across the dog's chest with two 1-inch pieces of the white tape.

    • 4

      Have a helper hold the holter monitor above the dog's back while connecting the leads to the electrodes. The leads will be attached as follows: On the dog's right side, connect the black lead to the upper electrode and the white lead to the lower. On the left side the red lead connects into the upper electrode, the green in the middle and the brown in the lower one.

    • 5

      Use the 2-inch tape, while still having someone hold the monitor, to cover all the electrodes and wires so that nothing is exposed. Tape securely but not too tight.

    • 6

      Tape over all electrodes and wires with the 4-inch elastic surgical tape. Do not stretch the tape excessively, or it will be too tight around your dog.

    • 7

      Place the audio tape in the unit and put the holster in the pouch that comes with it. Attach the holster monitor to the back of your dog with 2-inch tape, going around the chest and back about three times.

    • 8

      Record activity in the holter monitoring activity log throughout the day, any medications given to your dog and other behaviors. The first 10 minutes of wear on your dog will calibrate an ECG reading. The audio tape picks up all recordings of the heart and stops at the end of 24 hours, at which time the monitor can be removed.