Complications of ileal cannulation in cats.
OBJECTIVE
The anatomic position of the ileum is such that use of simple, noninvasive sampling techniques is difficult. Sampling of ileal contents by use of a cannula provides information about those contents-digestibility and fermentation patterns; however, complications with use of cannulas in horses and dogs have been reported. Therefore, cats were chosen as a laboratory model in which to study ileal cannulation.


METHODS
Simple T-piece cannulas were surgically placed in the ileum of six adult cats.


RESULTS
Postsurgical complications included cannula displacement and leakage, with subsequent abscessation and skin inflammation. Owing to these complications, the cannulas were removed from four of the six cats. Similar complications developed after removal of the cannulas. In the only attempt to collect a sample, obtaining a 0.5-ml sample of ileal fluid from one cannula took 3 h. Of the six cats, four died or were euthanized.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of cannulas is not a viable technique of collecting ileal fluid samples in cats.
Mawby
D I
DI
Department of Clinical Sciences, The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, USA.
Mathew
A G
AG
Mears
E A
EA
Moyers
T D
TD
Krahwinkel
D J
DJ
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D007082:Ileum / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods