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18 Jun 07 - 06:23 PM (#2080373) Subject: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: GUEST,KatieI Please can you help me, I have to shave my dogs chble youest ready for a scan of his heart to check how it is working now. I was told by my vet what size and where to do this, I felt sure that he said shave the right side, but I have just realised that our hearts lie to the left. The reason I am doing this myself is because my dog had a heart attack about six weeks ago, he is on medication from the vet, but gets very distressed when other people handle him. We believed that it would help him if I prepared him first. We have to go for the scan tomorrow morning and I cannot contact my vet before then. I am sorry to trouble you and would really appreciate your help. Thank you Kate |
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18 Jun 07 - 06:30 PM (#2080378) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: McGrath of Harlow Here is a page about dog anatomy - from the picture it looks as though the right side is the right side in this case. |
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18 Jun 07 - 06:35 PM (#2080383) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Joybell I'd be for shaving both sides, Kate. Enlarged hearts don't always stay where they should. Good luck. Joy |
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18 Jun 07 - 06:47 PM (#2080395) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Peace The canine heart is more on the dog's LEFT side. That is from the dog's perspective. If you are looking into your dog's face, the heart would be towards the right from YOUR perspective, but it is still more on the dog's LEFT side. Med things are ALWAYS done from the patient's perspective. As to the placement of the heart, I just called a vet in town and asked. |
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18 Jun 07 - 06:56 PM (#2080406) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: concertina ceol all the best, I hope it goes weel for you and dog tomorrow - just had my dog to the vet tonight and it looks like she won't be here much longer :-( |
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18 Jun 07 - 08:33 PM (#2080512) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Peace It is possible that the scan will be done with the dog on his left side. Why not shave both to be sure? Then the hair will grow back symmetrical manner. |
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19 Jun 07 - 12:41 AM (#2080716) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Ebbie Not to add to the stress you must be feeling - truly - but reading 'dogs chble youest' makes me feel like my ears have quit on me. Vas ist? |
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19 Jun 07 - 08:02 PM (#2081611) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: JohnInKansas Quite probably the deed is done by now, but it should be noted that the question was not which side of the dog the heart is on, but which side of the dog the vet wanted shaved for the procedure he will use. "a scan of his heart" is a rather ambiguous specification, since x-ray, tomography, sonography, etc are all possible meanings of "a scan," but the various procedures may have slightly different requirements for a best result. As we're into "the next day," we're now waiting for the report, and holding forth our best wishes and support for the patient - and for the concerned caretakers and caregivers. John |
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19 Jun 07 - 08:07 PM (#2081615) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Becca72 I took it to be more of an EKG or something, as regular "scans" aka x-rays, ultrasound, sonogram, whatever would not require shaving... |
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19 Jun 07 - 09:33 PM (#2081663) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: JohnInKansas 'pends perhaps on how woolie the subject is. I'm sure you're aware of the need to "smash firmly" against the x-ray film holder for the common annual exams(?) - although I'd Placing EKG pickups would likely have resulted in a request for "spot shaving" in several areas, since it's necessary to get good "adhesion" of the multiple pickups. Ultrasound generally requires a smooth and even skin contact for good transmission, even though the skin isn't being examined. With "enough grease" a fair amount of hair probably can be accomodated, but most animals would get a better test with some local removal. A doppler-ultrasound would be a likely kind of test, but at least for humans the area examined is likely to include the aorta and adjacent conducting vessels, rather than or in addition to just the heart itself, so the location and direction of exit of the vessels would be as significant a factor in what, and how much, hair needs removal as the simple "where is the heart." The location(s) to be examined might also be affected by the kind and location of any prior problem. Doing the shaving at home in advance would likely be less stressful for the dog than having it done by "strangers" at the vet; but if some adjustment is required the shaving should be something with which the familiar person could assist, to help calm the pet while any necessary "improvements" are done after arrival. John |
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20 Jun 07 - 10:04 AM (#2082160) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Becca72 actually, John, I'm still young enough that I've never had to have one of "those" annual visits :-) |
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20 Jun 07 - 12:15 PM (#2082289) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: JohnInKansas Unfortunately, Becca72, I don't get enough chances to talk to ladies who are of such tender age often enough to even know at what age "those" annual visits are now recommended. I'm told, however, that one radiology lab in my vicinity has a prominently posted cartoon of a cute little bunny rabbit saying: "I am NOT MEAN. You're just a sissy!" My "consultant" disagrees. (mildly) John |
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20 Jun 07 - 12:30 PM (#2082301) Subject: RE: Which side of the chest to scan Heart From: Becca72 I think they start annual screening at age 40. so 5 more years of freedom for me. I'll have to defer to the other ladies here as to how bad they actually are. |