Lateral recumbency
1. Positioning
The dog is positioned in lateral recumbency on a padded area with the neck extended.
This position is useful for treatment of fractures of the zygomatic arch, the TMJ and in certain occasions for an intraoral approach.
2. Preparation for surgery
The surgical site is clipped with a number 40 clipper blade and scrubbed in a circular manner with sterile gauze and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, followed by 70% isopropyl alcohol. Care should be taken not to touch the eyes.
Alternatively, povidone iodine may be used instead of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol.
The surgical site is draped with surgical towels and clamps. A sterile surgical technique is maintained throughout the surgery.
