7-Lead Holter Monitor Hook-Up Instructions
Before starting, make sure to:
Place a new 9-volt battery in to holter unit. Make sure polarity is correct.
Identify audiotape. Write YOUR NAME, DOG'S NAME and DATE. Insert tape into recorder with SIDE A up.
Fill in holter event log. Provide ALL information requested. If available provide AKC number. Get holter diary log.
Have alcohol and guaze, cloth or cotton balls on hand to degrease skin after shaving.
- Patient (Dog) Prep
- Recorder Prep
- Applying the Recorder
- Disconnection
- Tape Analysis
- Holter Rental
Patient Prep
Locate electrode sites by counting forward from the last (13th) rib. Make a dot with a Sharpie or magic marker once you have located the spot. On the dog's left, mark the first electrode site at the space between the 6th and 7th ribs just next to the sternum (the sternum is in the center of the chest and facing the ground). The second electrode will go directly above the first at the costochondral junction, also in the space between 6th and 7th ribs. The third electrode will be placed anywhere behind these (location is not critical). On the dog's right side, mark the first electrode site between the 6th and 7th ribs near the sternum and the second site immeditely behind the first.
For the best adhesion, clip the hair as close to the skin as possible over the sites marked for electrodes.
Clean each site with alcohol/cotton balls at least three times to remove all oils and dirt from the skin. Allow to air dry.
Carefully snap leads to electrodes (leads are attached to electrodes prior to placement on dog).
Peel off protective backing from electrodes and place one electrode on each marked site as instructed above. Press around adhesive collar of electrode but do not press in center of electrode.
If using a 5-lead monitor (which does not have the blue and orange leads), simply move the black and white leads down one space.
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Recorder Prep
Label the cassette tape with patient's name and date.
Place the 9V battery in the recorder (check polarity).
Disengage headbar latch by pushing the latch button toward the side of the recorder in the direction shown by the arrow.
Insert 60 minute cassette tape by first placing the edge of the cassette that does not have the tape exposed against the retainer clip until it drops over the spindles. If the cassette is properly installed, the full hub will appear on the supply spindle. Push the headbar latch all the way forward toward the tape to begin reording when ready (see Applying the Recorder).
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Applying the Recorder
Secure all electroes to the body by taping around the chest with Expandover making sure the wires are all gathered and covered by the tape. The Expandover should be snug but not so tight that the dog has to make an effort to breathe. After all of the electrodes and wiring are covered, activate the recorder by pushing the headbar latch all the way forward against the tape. note starting time on diary. Observe tape to verify that it is turning. Close the cover and insert recorder into protective cover. Secure with velcro strap. Continue to wrap another layer of Expandover around the dog's body incorporating the holter monitor over or slightly to one side of the dog's spine. Use additional Expandover to prevent the monitor from slipping backwards on the dog by crossing in front of the dog's chest. Secure the monitor further (and prevent Expandover from peeling off) by using either porous tape or Elasticon over the Expandover by encircling the chest twice more (on top of Expandover) making sure that the monitor is securely fastened to the dog's back.
Keep a diary or log of the dog's activities. Note time and activity at various times throughout the day. If any significant events occur (fainting, weakness, etc.) carefully note time and duration. Try to encourage exercise while the dog is wearing the monitor and note on the log the time and duration of the exercise. Remember to send the diary with the cassette to the evaluator. The diary should include the dog's name, the date, start/finish times and activity log.
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Disconnecting the Recorder
Unwrap the tape from around the monitor and dog. Cutting is not recommended, as it is extremely easy to cut a wire.
Once the monitor is freed, release the recording head by opening the cover and pushing the headbar latch button toward the side of the recorder in the direction indicated by the arrow. Remove the tape and the battery, marking the battery sticker to indicate the number of uses. Each battery can be used five times as long as the battery is removed between analyses. Continue to unwrap the tape until the electrodes are exposed. Unsnap the lead wires from the electrodes. Place the recording head in standby position. Close the cover and place monitor in padded case for storage.
Remove electrodes from the dog. These are difficult to remove and do cause the dog some discomfort, so be gentle.
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Tape Analysis
Send labeled tape, pedigree (optional), completed questionnaire and diary, along with a check, your return address and/or email address to:
Dr. Luis Braz-Ruivo
Beltway Veterinary Cardiology
11660 Annapolis Road
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
301-809-8800
Fee: $50 per tape
Dr. Rick Kienle
Mission Valley Veterinary Cardiology
8010 Wayland Lane, Suite 1-F
P.O. Box 1499
Gilroy, CA 95021
408-842-2899
Fee: $45 per tape
ALBA Medical
Mission Valley Veterinary Cardiology
829 Temple Avenue
Burlington, NJ 08016
877-482-1001 Toll Free (U.S.)
516-488-4777 (outside the U.S.)
Fee: $30 per tape (machine-read, hospital-quality report emailed within 1-2 days)
ALBA's Holter Form (Must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
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Holter Monitor Rental
As a boxer enthusiast, the health of our dogs is extremely important to me. That is why I offer my personal Holter monitor available for rent.
The $50 rental fee* covers test kit for one dog and the use of the holter monitor for ten (10) days (including shipping), late fee is $5 per day after ten days. If you desire to holter more than one dog, additional kits for each can be purchased for $7.50.
Renter is responsible for any damage while in the renter's possession, and must pay the costs of repair or replacement. A $100 damage deposit is necessary to cover damage and assure the monitor's timely return. Upon its safe return, your deposit will be returned to you.
To help with the testing process, a copy of detailed instructions for preparing the monitor, placement of the electrodes and proper hook up for the leads will be enclosed.
If you are interested in using my Holter Monitor, review the holter rental agreement and email me with your name, address, dates you need the holter, number of dogs to be tested and the breed(s). Then sign and forward the holter rental agreement with required fees. The monitor will be sent out upon receipt.
Holter monitor use is FREE to those who have a boxer bred by us! Just drop me an email to make arrangements.
* Fees subject to change without notice.
