Stethoscopes for Vet School

[JustPaws]

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I ended up buying the Littmann Cardiology IV in one of the slightly more expensive finishes. It wasn't about thinking I needed a fancier stethoscope and if you're just buying one because you need it then yeah, probably go with a cheaper one. For me though, I viewed my stethoscope as a gift to myself and it was the one thing that I was excited about buying so to be perfectly honest... I wanted a pretty one and that's what I got.

did you end up using it first year? i know with the new curriculum it might change...

 

[finnickthedog]

did you end up using it first year? i know with the new curriculum it might change...

Yes, we have used it both last semester and this semester. Not a whole lot, but we have used them. By the sounds of a new curriculum, I'd expect if there's any change to how much you use them it would be an increase but... that's just me speculating.

 

[JustPaws]

Yes, we have used it both last semester and this semester. Not a whole lot, but we have used them. By the sounds of a new curriculum, I'd expect if there's any change to how much you use them it would be an increase but... that's just me speculating.

That was my thought too.

 

[twelvetigers]

Our cardio prof uses one, but not sure on model. dyachei likes the Harvey Elite.

It's the Tycos, with the pediatric head.

Y'all can pry it out of my cold, dead hands. (I like it.)

 

[AFutureDogtor]

I love my Littmann Cardio III. One of my classmates organized a mass order prior to classes starting, and we got a great discount and free laser engraving. If I were to do it again, I'd choose a more professional color that would go with all my outfits on clinics. I chose red because it stands out and is easy to spot, but if I were to do it again I would get their classy brown one with bronze accents. The stethoscope itself is great, and I like having the two bells.

Do you know how they managed to organize a mass order to get a discount? Like which site did they order from/how many orders did they need/that sort of thing? Thanks!

 

[hygebeorht]

Do you know how they managed to organize a mass order to get a discount? Like which site did they order from/how many orders did they need/that sort of thing? Thanks!

I just dug through my emails from 2013 to check. They contacted Medisave.net to arrange a bulk order. There was a 10% off sale at the time, too. So the person set up a Google worksheet where everyone put color and name for engraving, then they ordered and distributed the stethoscopes. The final price depended on the number of people who bulk-ordered, but in the end we all saved like 50 bucks each. It took effort on the organizer's part, but I think she thought it was worth it. We had about 50+ orders, but there were discounts for fewer orders too.

 

[AFutureDogtor]

Awesome, thanks so much for finding that!

 

[JustPaws]

Do you know how they managed to organize a mass order to get a discount? Like which site did they order from/how many orders did they need/that sort of thing? Thanks!

That Steeles website above had bulk discounts for the Welch Allen and also for the littman cardio. For the cardio I think it was buy 10/20 get one free so everyone could spread out those savings.

 

[miacamp]

Bump here!

This has been briefly touched on in some previous posts but what is the general consensus for color? Is it unprofessional to have a wildly colorful one?

I am starting at UC Davis this coming fall and I really love the raspberry tube with rainbow finish, but I'm worried that might be considered an unprofessional color.

 

[ajs513]

Bump here!

This has been briefly touched on in some previous posts but what is the general consensus for color? Is it unprofessional to have a wildly colorful one?

I am starting at UC Davis this coming fall and I really love the raspberry tube with rainbow finish, but I'm worried that might be considered an unprofessional color.

Maybe some schools have specific requirements, but unless that’s the case, no one will care. Most people go with black, blue, maroon, and other more benign colors. But there are students and clinicians with every color. Having a unique color can also make it easier to identify it as yours.

 

[SkiOtter]

Bump here!

This has been briefly touched on in some previous posts but what is the general consensus for color? Is it unprofessional to have a wildly colorful one?

I am starting at UC Davis this coming fall and I really love the raspberry tube with rainbow finish, but I'm worried that might be considered an unprofessional color.

@Coopah does Davis still give all incoming students a stethoscope?

 

[Coopah]

@Coopah does Davis still give all incoming students a stethoscope?

Nope! It was donated that one year and then never again 🙁

 

[SARdoghandler]

Maybe some schools have specific requirements, but unless that’s the case, no one will care. Most people go with black, blue, maroon, and other more benign colors. But there are students and clinicians with every color. Having a unique color can also make it easier to identify it as yours.

This. No one really cares and if they do they can deal haha. Though, I tend to be a flashy accessory person but my stethoscope is navy. I did choose the Matte black metal finish though which I love because it still gives it cool factor while helping me feel super profesh (sometimes you need that little confidence boost when you make it to clinics haha)

 

[SkiOtter]

I have a pink one and @Caiter92 has the rainbow finish with light purple tubing iirc so def okay to go with a fun color.
I do highly recommend getting some kind of ID tag for it though, whether that’s a dog tag or something from Etsy made for stethoscopes that wraps around the tubing (what I have) so you can put your name and phone number on it.

 

[that redhead]

Bump here!

This has been briefly touched on in some previous posts but what is the general consensus for color? Is it unprofessional to have a wildly colorful one?

I am starting at UC Davis this coming fall and I really love the raspberry tube with rainbow finish, but I'm worried that might be considered an unprofessional color.

I have the breast cancer pink one - got it in clinics and use it to this day. My old boss teased me by asking if my Barbie stethoscope actually worked, but no one else has mentioned it. It’s fun when you have a little white dog with a pink frilly collar and I can say, “Look, we match!”

 

[SkiOtter]

I have the breast cancer pink one - got it in clinics and use it to this day. My old boss teased me by asking if my Barbie stethoscope actually worked, but no one else has mentioned it. It’s fun when you have a little white dog with a pink frilly collar and I can say, “Look, we match!”

I have the same pink one!

 

[that redhead]

I have the same pink one!

I was the only one in school with that one- a few classmates had the more subdued raspberry but my mom is a breast cancer survivor and I said eff it, I want the really pink one! (Pink is also my favorite color... 😀)

 

[SkiOtter]

I was the only one in school with that one- a few classmates had the more subdued raspberry but my mom is a breast cancer survivor and I said eff it, I want the really pink one! (Pink is also my favorite color... 😀)

My aunt is too! And pink is also my favorite too

 

[ajs513]

I’ll also say (regarding what someone said about UC Davis giving out the Eko for a year): I get way more head turns and questions using an Eko stethoscope than anyone gets for using a different colored Littmann. If your stethoscope looks like a normal stethoscope but is just a different color, no one will say anything aside from “ooooo that looks pretty.”

 

[that redhead]

My aunt is too! And pink is also my favorite too

 

[twelvetigers]

I just got these shoes today...

But my stethoscope during school was teal tube with the rainbow head.

 

[twelvetigers]

GOOD LORD you can tell it's winter. Note to self - can't see leg hair on the iPhone screen. lolol sorry y'all. Focus on the shoooeeesss

 

[hiellen]

GOOD LORD you can tell it's winter. Note to self - can't see leg hair on the iPhone screen. lolol sorry y'all. Focus on the shoooeeesss

Haha I was actually going to send you a pic of the Rothys I got with the coupon code you gave me but had the same problem

 

[SkiOtter]

GOOD LORD you can tell it's winter. Note to self - can't see leg hair on the iPhone screen. lolol sorry y'all. Focus on the shoooeeesss

Tbh I didn’t even notice it until you pointed it out
And then looking back I could be convinced you just had some weird leg veins haha

 

[LetItSnow]

This has been briefly touched on in some previous posts but what is the general consensus for color? Is it unprofessional to have a wildly colorful one?

Anyone who indicates they care about your stethoscope color has automatically given up their right to have their opinion taken seriously.

Like, c'mon, there are more important things. What's wrong with having a little fun with your stethoscope?

(Says the guy who has boring black tubing and gold metal coloring and has used the same refurbished-several-times scope for 9 years now.)

 

[cdo96]

GOOD LORD you can tell it's winter. Note to self - can't see leg hair on the iPhone screen. lolol sorry y'all. Focus on the shoooeeesss

I noticed it but just assumed you were one of the “aint nobody going to tell me to shave my legs!!!” people (which is totally okay btw)

 

[ziggyandjazzy]

I never shave my legs lol

 

[twelvetigers]

I noticed it but just assumed you were one of the “aint nobody going to tell me to shave my legs!!!” people (which is totally okay btw)

I mean, I still haven't. I do sometimes. I don't care much. I might even wear shorts. But I probably wouldn't post a picture of it online... except I did... but out of obliviousness, not rebellion. Lol

 

[JustPaws]

I have a harvey elite but I use the pediatric head not the standard one. The pedicatric head is what numerous cardio and cc people I know use. Took a little getting used to but now I love it.

Trick is to get it as the student kit because it comes with all the pieces. Otherwise you have to spend more money on the peds head. it sadly doesn't come in a bunch of fun colors, but I love green so at least that worked for me. Also each color is a different model code which makes it harder to search for.

5079-125S Welch Allyn Harvey Elite Stethoscope Black w/Free Student Kit - Steeles.com | Steeles.com
5079-270S Welch Allyn Harvey Elite Stethoscope Burgundy w/Free Student Kit - Steeles.com | Steeles.com
5079-271S Welch Allyn Harvey Elite Stethoscope Navy w/Free Student Kit - Steeles.com | Steeles.com
5079-284S Welch Allyn Harvey Elite Stethoscope Forest Green w/Free Student Kit - Steeles.com | Steeles.com

bump for the 2024s

 

[sheltermed]

I got a Cardiology IV as a birthday gift and I'm really happy with it so far, not that I have much experience with anything else, but I heard things quite clearly and was able to get my dog's and cat's heart rates despite burping and purring

 

[ajs513]

Now that this has been bumped, I wanted to strongly recommend the new Eko Core. I got it at the very end of January (just after I posted my last comment in here) and had some chances to use it in a clinical setting. It’s frankly incredible. It’s not cheap, given that it costs as much as a Littmann Cardiology IV just for the core itself, but it’s the coolest medical gadget.

Some changes from the first generation:
-Active noise cancellation. This really came in handy in the emergency service where there was an extremely loud barking dog right near the patient that the exam was being done on, plus people talking all around. It blocked out everything enough to get a good listen when no one else could, and I was able to hear a murmur as well while the fourth year was unable to get a heart rate with her cardiology IV.
-You can change what frequencies you hear depending on if you’re doing a cardiac or pulmonary/abdominal auscultation to get an even better listen.
-There’s a specific button on the core to start and stop recordings, as opposed to having to hit the up and down volume buttons quickly which was awkward.
-It’s a third lighter and much slimmer. It’s also much easier to take off and on now that they changed the mechanism.

If you’re not serious about cardiology or technology, then obviously don’t spend the cost of a stethoscope on something that just makes your already expensive stethoscope better. But if you can see value in amplifying and recording auscultations to either share or use for studying, then it’s worth it. They pair very well with Littmann stethoscopes too so you wouldn’t need to buy anything other than the core if you already have one, and it’s always fun to let people give it a try.

disclaimer: I don’t work for Eko. I just really really like their product and the company. Highly recommend looking up the AI they developed for detecting cardiac abnormalities.

 

[sheltermed]

Eko Core.

so you can attach the thing to a littmann?

 

[ajs513]

so you can attach the thing to a littmann?

Yep! To every littmann to my knowledge. It comes with large and small tubing adapters so it’ll work with a cardiology or classic

 

[JustPaws]

Now that this has been bumped, I wanted to strongly recommend the new Eko Core. I got it at the very end of January (just after I posted my last comment in here) and had some chances to use it in a clinical setting. It’s frankly incredible. It’s not cheap, given that it costs as much as a Littmann Cardiology IV just for the core itself, but it’s the coolest medical gadget.

Some changes from the first generation:
-Active noise cancellation. This really came in handy in the emergency service where there was an extremely loud barking dog right near the patient that the exam was being done on, plus people talking all around. It blocked out everything enough to get a good listen when no one else could, and I was able to hear a murmur as well while the fourth year was unable to get a heart rate with her cardiology IV.
-You can change what frequencies you hear depending on if you’re doing a cardiac or pulmonary/abdominal auscultation to get an even better listen.
-There’s a specific button on the core to start and stop recordings, as opposed to having to hit the up and down volume buttons quickly which was awkward.
-It’s a third lighter and much slimmer. It’s also much easier to take off and on now that they changed the mechanism.

If you’re not serious about cardiology or technology, then obviously don’t spend the cost of a stethoscope on something that just makes your already expensive stethoscope better. But if you can see value in amplifying and recording auscultations to either share or use for studying, then it’s worth it. They pair very well with Littmann stethoscopes too so you wouldn’t need to buy anything other than the core if you already have one, and it’s always fun to let people give it a try.

Sounds so cool. Do you know if it works with the welch allyn? If not sure, no worries

 

[ajs513]

Sounds so cool. Do you know if it works with the welch allyn? If not sure, no worries

It does!

 

[vetmedhead]

I got a Cardiology IV as a birthday gift and I'm really happy with it so far, not that I have much experience with anything else, but I heard things quite clearly and was able to get my dog's and cat's heart rates despite burping and purring

I also have one and I like it.

I will say generically since there will probably be other incoming first years looking through this thread - if anyone is interested in doing large animal, I'd recommend getting a stethoscope with a lower profile head or without a dual head (look up lightweight or single headed stethoscopes to see what I'm talking about). The bulkier heads on other stethoscopes are much harder to get under the axilla for proper cardiac auscultation in horses and cows, so you'll probably be better suited down the line once you get into clinics and beyond if you get a low profile one to hang on to. You might also want to get slightly longer tubing (this will make it a little harder to hear things, but with the added bonus of not having to shove your head halfway in a chute to hear your auscultation because the tubing is so short).

 

[ajs513]

I also have one and I like it.

I will say generically since there will probably be other incoming first years looking through this thread - if anyone is interested in doing large animal, I'd recommend getting a stethoscope with a lower profile head or without a dual head (look up lightweight or single headed stethoscopes to see what I'm talking about). The bulkier heads on other stethoscopes are much harder to get under the axilla for proper cardiac auscultation in horses and cows, so you'll probably be better suited down the line once you get into clinics and beyond if you get a low profile one to hang on to. You might also want to get slightly longer tubing (this will make it a little harder to hear things, but with the added bonus of not having to shove your head halfway in a chute to hear your auscultation because the tubing is so short).

Littmann Master Classic II is exactly the stethoscope for that

 

[couldhavebeenme]

I also have one and I like it.

I will say generically since there will probably be other incoming first years looking through this thread - if anyone is interested in doing large animal, I'd recommend getting a stethoscope with a lower profile head or without a dual head (look up lightweight or single headed stethoscopes to see what I'm talking about). The bulkier heads on other stethoscopes are much harder to get under the axilla for proper cardiac auscultation in horses and cows, so you'll probably be better suited down the line once you get into clinics and beyond if you get a low profile one to hang on to. You might also want to get slightly longer tubing (this will make it a little harder to hear things, but with the added bonus of not having to shove your head halfway in a chute to hear your auscultation because the tubing is so short).

Littmann Master Classic II is exactly the stethoscope for that

Thanks for the tips! I currently have a Littmann Lightweight which has served me well as a VA over the years, but I'm looking to upgrade (/replace it because it's hella old and I've abused it) before starting school. The doctor I work with also suggested getting one with longer tubing since I intend to go into LA work. I'll definitely check out the Master Classic II.

 

[PippyPony]

I basically did the same thing, for the same reason, except with a cheaper model for now.

Got a white MDF with rose gold finish because

1. It works just fine; I can hear everything we've needed to hear so far without any issues (the MDF has earbuds you can swap out, which is nice for getting a decent seal)

2. It's pretty and I like it


Another plus: I'm the only one in my class with this one, so it does not get lost/confused with someone else's...and if it was stolen I would know exactly who took it because it's not exactly subtle

I figured that a stethoscope is a nice graduation gift, too, if it turns out I need something with more oomph when I get out of school.

So far I've dropped it in the dirt (aka cow manure) in clinical skills and it has cleaned up nicely. There is a small scratch on the tubing that is not very noticeable, and was kind of expected because I don't take particularly good care of my stuff.

Haven't gone through clinics yet (I'm a first year), so it only gets used ~once a week, though. YMMV

And yes, they are cheaper than Littmans. Mine was $80 on amazon.

As an additional selling point, the head of our ambulatory clinic good-naturedly teased me for 5 days about my fancy pants stethoscope...but then he tried it at the end of the week and was like "oh wow, that thing actually works pretty darn well -- form and function!"

But he also hurls his stethoscope indiscriminately into a truck with all the check engine lights on all the time, so...

Update: I wasn't sure how my stethoscope would fare in clinics, so here I am to report back. I made it through my cardiology rotation with this inexpensive, pretend-doctor-looking stethoscope and was able to EASILY hear:
1) Gallop rhythms
2) Split S2 - including one that the cardiologist had to listen twice to hear after I found it (but then they confirmed was present)
3) Grade I-II murmurs

And that's after smashing it in stall doors. I did also very much like a classmate's Littmann cardiology model, but his was $300 and mine was $80, and when it came down to it, we could hear the same things. The only thing I couldn't hear on mine (could only hear on the senior cardiologist's magic digital stethoscope) was a very quiet diastolic murmur in an anxious dog.

It does have some faint stains on the white tubing -- one from phenazopyridine, one from something red/pink? -- and the rose gold finish is rubbing off/dull on the bell where I clean it with alcohol + rescue wipes. That part is a bummer.

But I'm here to say you really don't need an expensive stethoscope in school. (And I'm usually the type to spring for the most expensive option.)

 

[JustPaws]

Update: I wasn't sure how my stethoscope would fare in clinics, so here I am to report back. I made it through my cardiology rotation with this inexpensive, pretend-doctor-looking stethoscope and was able to EASILY hear:
1) Gallop rhythms
2) Split S2 - including one that the cardiologist had to listen twice to hear after I found it (but then they confirmed was present)
3) Grade I-II murmurs

And that's after smashing it in stall doors. I did also very much like a classmate's Littmann cardiology model, but his was $300 and mine was $80, and when it came down to it, we could hear the same things. The only thing I couldn't hear on mine (could only hear on the senior cardiologist's magic digital stethoscope) was a very quiet diastolic murmur in an anxious dog.

It does have some faint stains on the white tubing -- one from phenazopyridine, one from something red/pink? -- and the rose gold finish is rubbing off/dull on the bell where I clean it with alcohol + rescue wipes. That part is a bummer.

But I'm here to say you really don't need an expensive stethoscope in school. (And I'm usually the type to spring for the most expensive option.)

Yup, I still love my $130 welch allen, though clinical rotations are pending....

 

[Cats4Lyfe]

I got a Littmann Classic III for my birthday. It's what most of my coworkers have and I've heard there isn't a significant difference between it and the IV.