Where should you place the stethoscope to auscult the heart?

To auscult the heart of a canine, it is crucial to place the stethoscope at the location known as the Point of Maximum Impulse (PMI). This area is typically found on the left side of the thorax, around the 5th intercostal space, just behind the elbow. This position allows for optimal listening to the heart's sounds because it is where the heart is closest to the chest wall, making it easier to detect normal heartbeats, murmurs, and other abnormalities.

Placing the stethoscope on the abdomen or near the tail would not be effective for heart auscultation, as these areas are not related to the cardiac function. Additionally, using the right side PMI is less common for auscultating the heart because the heart is predominantly oriented towards the left side of the thorax in dogs. Therefore, selecting the left side PMI ensures accurate assessment of the heart’s performance and is the recommended practice for veterinary auscultation.