Cannulation of the distal ileum in ponies

A simple "T" cannula was placed in the distal ileum of nine mature pony geldings. With the animal under general anesthesia, the plastisol (polyvinyl chloride) cannula was placed in the distal ileum, and exteriorized caudal to the 16th rib. The cannula surgery was simple and recovery was rapid, resulting in ponies that could be used in nutritional studies within 1 mo of surgery. With regular maintenance cannulated ponies can remain viable for periods of time greater than 1 yr. Key words: Equine, distal ileum, small intestine, cannulation simple "T" cannula