When is lateral recumbency typically employed?

Lateral recumbency is a position where an animal is lying on its side, and this specific position is commonly employed when drawing blood from the lateral saphenous vein. This vein is accessible while the animal is positioned laterally, making it easier and safer for the veterinarian or veterinary technician to perform venipuncture. In this position, the animal's body is stabilized, reducing the risk of movement that could lead to injury or difficulty in obtaining a blood sample.

For behavioral assessments, being in lateral recumbency is not ideal, as this might make the animal feel vulnerable and could skew results. Although injections can be performed in a variety of positions, lateral recumbency is not specifically required. The dog's level of cooperation does play a role in how you'll position them, but lateral recumbency is specifically advantageous for accessing certain veins like the lateral saphenous for blood draws.