Complications of ileal cannulation in cats

Background and Purpose: 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-dig estibility and fermentation patterns; however, complications with use of ca nnulas in horses and dogs have been reported. Therefore, cats were chosen a s 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 leaka ge, with subsequent abscessation and skin inflammation. Owing to these comp lications, the cannulas were removed from four of the six cats. Similar com plications 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. Conclusion: Use of cannulas is not a viable technique of collecting ileal f luid samples in cats.