What is the term for an animal lying on its side?

Lateral recumbency refers to an animal lying on its side. This position is significant in veterinary practice for several reasons. For instance, it allows for easier examination and treatment of certain conditions, as well as accessibility for procedures such as IV catheter placement or monitoring.

When an animal is in lateral recumbency, its body weight is supported on one side, which can reduce stress on the other structures, making it an ideal position for specific treatments or surgeries. This position is also used to prevent pressure sores when an animal needs to be immobilized for extended periods. Understanding this position is crucial for veterinary assistants, as it affects patient handling, care protocols, and comfort during examinations.

The other terms refer to different positions: ventral recumbency indicates an animal lying on its stomach, dorsal recumbency means that the animal is lying on its back, and the prone position refers to a position where the body is horizontal and face down. Each of these positions serves different purposes but does not specifically describe an animal lying on its side like lateral recumbency does.