Comparison of right lateral versus left lateral versus sternal recumbence intra-abdominal pressure measurements in normal dogs.

Abstract

To determine if there is a difference in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) among 3 anatomic body positions (right lateral, left lateral, and sternal recumbence) in apparently healthy dogs. Prospective, observational study. University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Fourteen apparently healthy male dogs. After mild sedation with dexmedetomidine, a water manometer attached to a Foley urinary catheter was used to measure IAP in 3 different body positions in each dog. There was no significant difference in IAP between right lateral (3.87± 3.16cm H2 O), left lateral (4.45 ± 3.22cm H2 O), and sternal recumbence (4.04 ± 3.57cm H2 O). Based on data from these 14 apparently healthy dogs, these 3 body positions can be used interchangeably for monitoring an individual dog. However, more research in dogs is needed to see if this conclusion holds true when IAP is abnormal.