Technical Notes: A Modified Sleeve and Plug Cannula for Esophageal Fistulated Cattle

Abstract

An inexpensive esophageal fistula sleeve and plug cannula was constructed using 38-mm diameter PVC pipe with a 4-mm wall, a Babcock float rod, and laboratory rubber stoppers. The cannulae are easily made and have proven effective in reducing and correcting injury to the lining of the esophagus. Longer sleeves and larger plugs, plus use of 130- × 3-mm circles of rubberized belting material inside the esophagus and sometimes on the outside of the fistula, effectively reduced saliva and rumen content losses from animals with extra large fistulae.