NAVTA Practice Test

What position should an animal be in for an ovariohysterectomy?

1. Dorsalventral

2. Lateral

3. Left lateral recumbency

4. Ventrodorsal

The correct answer is: Ventrodorsal

For an ovariohysterectomy, the correct position for the animal is ventrodorsal. This means the animal is placed on its back with the abdomen facing upward. This position allows for optimal access to the abdomen for the surgical procedure. In a dorsalventral position (choice A), the animal would be on its belly, which is not ideal for accessing the reproductive organs for this specific surgery. In a lateral position (choice B), the animal is lying on its side. While lateral recumbency (choice C) may be used for some procedures, it is not the preferred position for an ovariohysterectomy because it would make it challenging to access the abdomen. Therefore, the correct answer is ventrodorsal (choice D) for an ovariohysterectomy.