Stethoscope questions

[Caterpillar]

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Hi! I have a few questions about stethoscopes, as I'll be buying one for school soon. I've been combing through old threads and unless I missed something (my bad! ), I don't think I've seen any of my questions answered.

The school wants me to get one of several Littmann models. I am having a hard time deciding between an SE Classic II and a Cardiology III, and I'm also still considering other model options. Would the double-sided chest piece be helpful for working with small and large animals? And for anyone with experience with the classic and the cardiology, do you think the cardiology would almost provide too much sound and make learning difficult? I have very a little experience using stethoscopes, as I haven't worked as a tech... usually just a volunteer assistant/observer.

Also, does having a different colored stethoscope (red, purple, yellow, etc.) help you easily identify and not lose your stethoscope? Are stethoscope colors that differ from the standard blue and black usually considered unprofessional by vets and clients?

 

[dyachei]

Hi! I have a few questions about stethoscopes, as I'll be buying one for school soon. I've been combing through old threads and unless I missed something (my bad! ), I don't think I've seen any of my questions answered.

The school wants me to get one of several Littmann models. I am having a hard time deciding between an SE Classic II and a Cardiology III, and I'm also still considering other model options. Would the double-sided chest piece be helpful for working with small and large animals? And for anyone with experience with the classic and the cardiology, do you think the cardiology would almost provide too much sound and make learning difficult? I have very a little experience using stethoscopes, as I haven't worked as a tech... usually just a volunteer assistant/observer.

Also, does having a different colored stethoscope (red, purple, yellow, etc.) help you easily identify and not lose your stethoscope? Are stethoscope colors that differ from the standard blue and black usually considered unprofessional by vets and clients?

they arent seen as unprofessional. I only had a single sided scope in school but now I have a dual headed scope and I love it (and don't have any issues placing it or listening).

 

[Caterpillar]

they arent seen as unprofessional. I only had a single sided scope in school but now I have a dual headed scope and I love it (and don't have any issues placing it or listening).

Glad to hear that... I was not sure because there seems to be a different opinion on pre-med and med student forums. Different profession, but I wondered if the views were similar in vet med. Thanks for the info!

 

[CalliopeDVM]

Hi! I have a few questions about stethoscopes, as I'll be buying one for school soon. I've been combing through old threads and unless I missed something (my bad! ), I don't think I've seen any of my questions answered.

The school wants me to get one of several Littmann models. I am having a hard time deciding between an SE Classic II and a Cardiology III, and I'm also still considering other model options. Would the double-sided chest piece be helpful for working with small and large animals? And for anyone with experience with the classic and the cardiology, do you think the cardiology would almost provide too much sound and make learning difficult? I have very a little experience using stethoscopes, as I haven't worked as a tech... usually just a volunteer assistant/observer.

Also, does having a different colored stethoscope (red, purple, yellow, etc.) help you easily identify and not lose your stethoscope? Are stethoscope colors that differ from the standard blue and black usually considered unprofessional by vets and clients?

I had a friend in vet school tell me my burgundy scope would be seen as unprofessional, but I think he was just a conservative guy that liked the classics. I'm 15 years out and no one has ever commented on my stethoscope colour, or ever implied I was unprofessional. Don't worry about it - I would stay away from things that might seem immature (pastel pink, sparkles), but otherwise choose whatever colour you want. I personally really like the green, but they didn't have it in stock and I didn't want to wait.

As for which model - I bought the Classic II SE when I started school, because I really couldn't appreciate the difference between that and the Cardiology III and the price point was much better for me (Cardiology is almost $100 more). After graduation, I stepped up to the Cardiology III, because then I could appreciate the difference. I was also concerned that my 'scope might get damaged in school, but that might have been a false concern and it emerged just fine. Now I have both, but exclusively use my Cardiology III.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Between classic and cardio III, I would go with the latter. I've had mine for 6 years now all through school and still going great. Last week a very exuberant puppy slashed some scratches in the tubing with her razor sharp teeth, but you wouldn't be able to tell that my scope wasn't brand new otherwise. Get the soft earpiece and your ears will thank you. When students can't hear heart and lung sounds appropriately, it's almost never the stethoscope. It's where they're placing it.

 

[chickenlittle]

As for which model - I bought the Classic II SE when I started school, because I really couldn't appreciate the difference between that and the Cardiology III and the price point was much better for me (Cardiology is almost $100 more). After graduation, I stepped up to the Cardiology III, because then I could appreciate the difference. I was also concerned that my 'scope might get damaged in school, but that might have been a false concern and it emerged just fine. Now I have both, but exclusively use my Cardiology III.

Same here. I had the Classic II SE through vet school and for about five years out of school, then I started to notice some wear/damage... instead of replacing those parts, I upgraded to the Cardiology III at that time.

 

[that redhead]

The school wants me to get one of several Littmann models. I am having a hard time deciding between an SE Classic II and a Cardiology III, and I'm also still considering other model options. Would the double-sided chest piece be helpful for working with small and large animals? And for anyone with experience with the classic and the cardiology, do you think the cardiology would almost provide too much sound and make learning difficult? I have very a little experience using stethoscopes, as I haven't worked as a tech... usually just a volunteer assistant/observer.

Also, does having a different colored stethoscope (red, purple, yellow, etc.) help you easily identify and not lose your stethoscope? Are stethoscope colors that differ from the standard blue and black usually considered unprofessional by vets and clients?

I have the SE Classic II and it has served me well. However, I think the Cardiology III would be the better investment if you plan on general practice as there's certainly a difference; I'm considering upgrading. I don't think the double sided makes a difference - I listened to dairy cows, draft horses, dogs, cats, eagles and rats with the same thing. The longer tubing for large animal would definitely be a plus but if you aren't planning on large animal med, don't bother.

I have a bright pink breast cancer stethoscope...my crusty old boss jokingly asked "Does that thing even work?" but I've never seen anyone with my color and I love it 🙂

 

[dyachei]

The longer tubing for large animal would definitely be a plus but if you aren't planning on large animal med, don't bother.

I've heard, from one of the cardiologists, that the longer tubing makes for less crisp heart sounds and she doesn't recommend that anyway. ymmv

 

[DVMDream]

I have a SE classic II, but I want to upgrade.

I have had a few people now who have "borrowed" my stethoscope when they have left their's somewhere and then return it to me and tell me that they can't hear crap with it and go off to get their own stethoscope from the rounds room or wherever.

At first I thought I couldn't hear anything due to being an idjit, but with a few people telling me now that they can't hear with my stethoscope, I am thinking something isn't right with it. And I want to upgrade anyway. Just trying to decide what I am going to upgrade to.

 

[SocialStigma]

I had the SE classic II throughout vet school and then received the cardiology III as a birthday present in 4th year. There is a HUGE difference between the two IMO, I never was able to hear grade III heart murmurs prior to using a cardio III.

 

[CalliopeDVM]

Speaking of wear and tear - if you don't know, Littmann offers a very reasonably priced refurbishment service, replacing virtually everything that isn't metal for $50-$100 depending on the model (this is for 'scopes no longer under warranty). I had mine done after about 8 or 10 years in practice; much cheaper than a replacement.

 

[Jamr0ckin]

I had the SE Classic II starting out until mine got stolen during a lab. I got a new one for Christmas and was upgraded to the Cardio III, and I love it.i can hear much better with it than with some of the other scopes my classmates have. I got mine in hunter green, have an orange band around the tubing and stethoscope timer with a Snape sticker on it.

 

[Caterpillar]

Thanks for the advice, all! I'm almost positive I'm going to opt for a Cardio III now. Just have to decide if I want to pay more cash.

I had the SE Classic II starting out until mine got stolen during a lab. I got a new one for Christmas and was upgraded to the Cardio III, and I love it.i can hear much better with it than with some of the other scopes my classmates have. I got mine in hunter green, have an orange band around the tubing and stethoscope timer with a Snape sticker on it.

Is it common for stethoscopes to be stolen? :\

 

[pp9]

Thanks for the advice, all! I'm almost positive I'm going to opt for a Cardio III now. Just have to decide if I want to pay more cash.



Is it common for stethoscopes to be stolen? :\

With any large group of people, there's bound to be a handful of bad apples. Chances are that if it were to be stolen, it'd get sold online or something.

My parents and I were actually talking about what would happen if my stethoscope were to be stolen should I choose something expensive. They suggested etching/engraving my name into the metal, but I don't know how that would effect the function of the stethoscope. Has anyone done that before?

 

[Minnerbelle]

Thanks for the advice, all! I'm almost positive I'm going to opt for a Cardio III now. Just have to decide if I want to pay more cash.



Is it common for stethoscopes to be stolen? :\

It's not so much malicious stealing usually as it is that you leave your stethoscope somewhere and gets picked up by someone else... Or a resident/attending borrows it and walks away with it. It's hard to track it down unless you have your name on it. Though just like food in the fridge that somehow always get stolen regardless of how half eaten it is by some inconsiderate jerk, stethoscopes can get stolen I guess if you don't keep it on your person.

 

[LetItSnow]

It's not so much malicious stealing usually as it is that you leave your stethoscope somewhere and gets picked up by someone else... Or a resident/attending borrows it and walks away with it. It's hard to track it down unless you have your name on it. Though just like food in the fridge that somehow always get stolen regardless of how half eaten it is by some inconsiderate jerk, stethoscopes can get stolen I guess if you don't keep it on your person.

Hey now. Hungry doc has to eat at 3am, and if there's half-eaten food in the fridge with no name on it........ 😉

 

[DVMDream]

My parents and I were actually talking about what would happen if my stethoscope were to be stolen should I choose something expensive. They suggested etching/engraving my name into the metal, but I don't know how that would effect the function of the stethoscope. Has anyone done that before?

Won't effect the function of the stethoscope at all. You are just barely going into the metal with the etching, similar to get a dog tag made at a pet store. Stethoscope companies offer the service because it is nice to have. I like that better than the tags attached to the stethoscope, but everyone is different.

 

[cowgirla]

Won't effect the function of the stethoscope at all. You are just barely going into the metal with the etching, similar to get a dog tag made at a pet store. Stethoscope companies offer the service because it is nice to have. I like that better than the tags attached to the stethoscope, but everyone is different.

This. Plus dog tags can be removed a lot more easily than engraving can.

 

[dyachei]

Won't effect the function of the stethoscope at all. You are just barely going into the metal with the etching, similar to get a dog tag made at a pet store. Stethoscope companies offer the service because it is nice to have. I like that better than the tags attached to the stethoscope, but everyone is different.

from my understanding, if they engrave the metal tubing, that can void the warranty. but the actual head is ok

 

[DVMDream]

from my understanding, if they engrave the metal tubing, that can void the warranty. but the actual head is ok

Good to know. I would only get the head engraved and I would order it with the engraving, not take it elsewhere to be engraved.

 

[Minnerbelle]

Hey now. Hungry doc has to eat at 3am, and if there's half-eaten food in the fridge with no name on it........ 😉

I knew you were one of those peeps who tip toe to the fridge, sniff that half chewed pickle, eat it, and leave the wrapper in the fridge as an extra fu

 

[PigFarmer25]

I'm interested in large animal medicine and was wondering if it'd be best to get the 32inch Master Classic II veterinary stethoscope or if a 27inch stethoscope would be sufficient?

 

[dyachei]

I'm interested in large animal medicine and was wondering if it'd be best to get the 32inch Master Classic II veterinary stethoscope or if a 27inch stethoscope would be sufficient?

so according to my previous cardio prof, who worked on horses and small animals, longer tubes only distort sound

 

[Filly Bay]

I'm interested in large animal medicine and was wondering if it'd be best to get the 32inch Master Classic II veterinary stethoscope or if a 27inch stethoscope would be sufficient?

I have the 22" and wish I had the 27". But I don't think 32" would be necessary at all for large animal.

 

[SARdoghandler]

I'm interested in large animal medicine and was wondering if it'd be best to get the 32inch Master Classic II veterinary stethoscope or if a 27inch stethoscope would be sufficient?

I have a 27" and as far as I've used it, it's perfect for both large and small animal. I didn't have a tubing length choice when I ordered though haha

 

[brinanna1994]

Hi! I will be purchasing a stethoscope for school soon and have a quick question. I was planning on purchasing a cardiology III since it sounds like a lot of people have had a really positive experience using it, and that it's worth it in the long run. However, many places no longer carry it. The bookstore at my school sells it for $165, but I could get the cardiology IV for $159 on Medisave. Is it over kill to get the IV and has anyone had any experience with using it? Thanks🙂

 

[jmo1012]

Hi! I will be purchasing a stethoscope for school soon and have a quick question. I was planning on purchasing a cardiology III since it sounds like a lot of people have had a really positive experience using it, and that it's worth it in the long run. However, many places no longer carry it. The bookstore at my school sells it for $165, but I could get the cardiology IV for $159 on Medisave. Is it over kill to get the IV and has anyone had any experience with using it? Thanks🙂

unless you can find the older model for much cheaper, its probably not worth it. just go with the IV since thats what they are manufacturing these days.