Effect of body position on intravesical pressure in the anaesthetised bitch
Gregory, S.P.; Holt, P.E.
Veterinary Record 130(14): 288-290
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1595145 Document Number: 403244
The position adopted by 50 recumbent dogs was recorded while they were sleeping or resting; the commonest orientation of their hindquarters was right lateral recumbency. The intravesical pressure in the urinary bladder of 24 anaesthetised bitches lying in right lateral recumbency was compared with the intravesical pressure recorded when the same bitches were supported in a standing position. The intravesical pressure was signficantly higher when the bitches were in right lateral recumbency and the difference was unaffected by whether they were continent or not, and had no significant correlation with bodyweight. These findings help to explain why bitches with a incompetent urethral sphincter mechanism tend to leak predominantly when they are recumbent.