Holter Monitor Instructions - 5 Lead - American Boxer Club

Holter Monitor Instructions - 5 Leadby: Wendy Wallner, DVMMaterials Needed:9 volt battery60 minute audio tapeWhite adhesive bandage tape 1" and 2" wideExpandover® surgical tape 4" wideSticky electrodes (5)Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and gauze cloth or cotton balls to scrub skin before placing electrode.Clippers with #40 or other close shaving bladeHolter activity log sheetBefore starting make sure to:1. Place a new 9 volt battery into Holter unit. Make sure polarity is correct.2. Identify audiotape. Write YOUR NAME, DOG'S NAME and Date. Insert tape into recorder with SID.3. Fill in the holter activity log. Provide ALL information requested. If available provide AKC number.4. Have alcohol and gauze cloth or cotton balls on hand to degrease the skin after shaving.Have the dog standing normally. If the dog can be elevated on a table it will be easier. You will need at least 2 people,including yourself. If the dog is restless 3 people will be necessary.Dogs Left SideDog's Right SideNow shave both sides of the chest.The shaved area should be locatedbehind the elbow and should belarge enough to accommodate 3electrodes on the left side and 3electrodes on the right side.Electrodes should be spaced byabout 1/2 inch or more from eachother.Now using 1 inch white tape, securethe electrodes by taping around thechest, as illustrated. The metal snapbuttons are not covered by tape.

At this time the leads should beconnected as follows: (Use oneperson to hold the Holter monitorabove the dogs back).Dogs Left SideUpper electrode - BLACK leadLower electrode - WHITE leadDogs Right SideUpper electrode - RED leadMiddle electrode - GREEN leadLower electrode - BROWN leadNow cover the electrodes and wireswith 2 inch white tape (with oneperson still holding the monitor overthe boxers back).The top of the dog'schest should now looklike this.Dogs Left SideDog's Right SideThe next step includes taping overwith elastic tape (Expandover®).Make sure to cover the cables asdepicted. Make sure not to stretchthe elastic tape excessively or thebandage will be too tight and thedog will be uncomfortable.

Insert the monitor inside theprotective pouch. First pass a pieceof 1 inch white tape through the beltloop of the pouch as depicted. Placethe pouch with the unit inside on topof the dog's back.MAKE SURE THE AUDIOTAPE ISRUNNING. NOTE STARTING TIMEIN THE HOLTER LOGFinally, secure the pouch by tapingover 2 - 3 times around the chestusing 2 inch wide white tape.Properly applied, this is how the monitorshould look. Make sure to fill the Holter logwith the major events of the day andinclude exact times of ANY MEDICATIONthe dog may be taking.A few notes about the recording of a Holter:1. Provide normal activity during the recording. Very heavy play with other dogs should not be allowed because of thepotential damage to the monitor. Swimming is not allowed. Keep monitor dry at all times.2. If during the recording a fainting or syncopal event is detected, press the event button and make an entry in theHolter diary log detailing the event.3. The monitor has an LCD clock. This clock may not show the correct time of the day. Do not use the time on thisclock, use your wristwatch for timing. The clock on the monitor is not needed for the analysis.4. The recorder goes through an automatic calibration routine during the first 10 minutes after starting. During thistime the ECG is not being acquired.5. The recording time for dogs is 24 hours. If you cannot remove the monitor at the end of the 24 hour period there isno problem in keeping it running. The tape will stop when it reached the end.6. If you are doing consecutive recordings in several dogs you may use one 9 volt battery for up to 3 recordings whenusing a Rozinn monitor. Make sure to remove the battery from the monitor between recordings.