Conformation of Cisterna chyli in cats (Felis catus)

The aim of this study is to determine the location and conformation of Cist erna chyli in cats. Eight adult, healthy cats, of both sexes and of differe nt ages, were used. Abdominal cavity was opened with a median incision unde r general anaesthesia. Then, Indian ink was injected into the lymph nodes o f the abdominal cavity, and into the popliteal lymph nodes. After exsanguin ation by the conventional methods, the animals were fixed with 10 % formali n. Then, the Cisterna chyli was investigated by dissection. The Cisterna chyli is an oval sac, approximately 2.5 cm. in length, was loc ated dorsal to the abdominal aorta, at the level of L 2 to L 4. It receives caudally the lumbar trunks in all cats; and ventrally the visceral trunk i n five cats; the intestinal and celiac trunks in two cats the jejunal, coli c and celiac trunks independently in one cat. The lymphatic trunks seem to be jointed because of having valves. Considering the normal anatomical position, it was concluded that Cisterna chyli is more practical to establish permanent cannulation than other lymph atic ducts or trunks for collection of lymph samples.