Cannulation of the distal ileum in ponies

A simple "T" cannula was placed in the distal ileum of nine mature pony gel dings. With the animal under general anesthesia, the plastisol (polyvinyl c hloride) cannula was placed in the distal ileum, and exteriorized caudal to the 16th rib. The cannula surgery was simple and recovery was rapid, resul ting in ponies that could be used in nutritional studies within 1 mo of sur gery. With regular maintenance cannulated ponies can remain viable for peri ods of time greater than 1 yr.