An index of vena cava distensibility (dIVC) has been used in patients with ARDS to detect fluid responsiveness. dIVC threshold used in rats with ARDS was shown to differ from humans. A dIVC threshold <25% was associated with positive response to volume expansion. dIVC may be used to guide fluid titration in rats with ARDS. This is a first step to elucidate the effects of fluids in experimental ARDS.