Why are the 4 leads on an animal electrocardiogram placed like they are?

The basic placement for four leads in dogs and cats is:

Red - right front leg

Yellow - left front leg

Green - left hind leg

Black - right hind leg

A way to help remember is "Snow (yellow) over grass (green), smoke (red) over fire (black)".

However, keep in mind that some ekg machines only use three leads, while others have more. You would need to do some more in-depth research to find instructions for those that use more or less leads.

Best of luck,

Connie M.