Which position is recommended for restraining a pet during a lateral thoracic radiograph?

For a lateral thoracic radiograph, the recommended position for restraining a pet is lateral recumbency. This position allows the animal to lie on its side, which is crucial for obtaining accurate and clear images of the thoracic cavity, including the lungs and heart. When the animal is in lateral recumbency, all relevant anatomical structures can be properly aligned with the x-ray beam, facilitating a better view without overlap or distortion that could occur in other positions.

Standing upright and sitting positions are not suitable for this type of radiograph, as they do not provide the proper orientation to capture the thoracic area effectively. Additionally, the prone position, where the animal lies on its stomach, is not appropriate because it may obscure the thoracic structures and complicate the imaging process. Therefore, lateral recumbency is the optimal choice for achieving the best possible diagnostic radiographs of the thorax.