The dog is positioned in dorsal recumbency with the neck extended and supported by a padded area.
This position is useful for the intraoral approach.
A pharyngeal pack is placed. It is made from a pack of 5-10 dental gauze sponges staked together and pierced in the center with a cord. The pack is positioned at the pharynx while the cord remains outside the mouth. Once the procedure is completed, the cord is gently pulled and the pharyngeal pack is removed.
Following placement of pharyngeal pack, the oral cavity is rinsed with 0.05-0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate.
A cut syringe can be used to keep the mouth open. A spring loaded mouth gag is discouraged as it applies excessive forces on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and muscles of mastication.