What orientation should you use during abdominal palpation?

During abdominal palpation, using the cranial to caudal orientation is considered best practice. This technique allows for a systematic examination of the abdominal organs, starting from the thoracic cavity down through the abdominal cavity. It enables palpation of the liver, stomach, and spleen first, providing an opportunity to assess the upper abdominal organs before moving down to the intestines and bladder.

This method also aligns with the natural anatomical organization of the canine abdomen, allowing the practitioner to more easily identify any abnormalities or changes in organ size, shape, or texture as they progress downward. This approach is beneficial for ensuring that the entire abdominal cavity is evaluated thoroughly and systematically, making it less likely to miss any abnormalities.

The other options do not follow this comprehensive approach and may compromise the effectiveness of the abdominal examination. For example, palpating only from caudal to cranial would reverse the flow and could lead to confusion in locating structures. Additionally, limiting the palpation to one side or using only one hand could restrict the ability to feel depth and shape, making it harder to identify underlying issues effectively.