Introduction
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced by active secretion as well as selective filtration from blood by choroid plexus.
- It should be clear and transparent (or colorless) and should not clot.
Uses
- Diagnosis of central nervous system disease
and evaluation of therapy. - Therapeutic drainage of CSF at high pressure, or blood or exudate.
Advantages
- Easy to collect.
- Full fluid analysis can be performed .
- Enables injection of contrast material for imaging.
Disadvantages
- Best results obtained during acute phase of disease.
- Requires general anesthesia.
- Life-threatening complications.
- May be associated with technique, eg tentorial herniation associated with sudden release of pressure.
Preparation
- 15-20 minutes for site preparation and induction of anesthesia.
Requirements
Materials required
Ideal equipment
- Manometer (rarely performed).
Minimum consumables
- 1.5 in(up to 2.5 in for large breeds), 20-22G needle.
- Fluid containter(s).
Ideal consumables
- 22G spinal needle.
- 2 plain and 1 EDTA.
- Three-way stopcock.
Sequelae
Complications
- Potentially life threatening.
- Tentorial herniation can occur and may be fatal.
Reasons for treatment failure
- Poor technique prevents accurate needle placement.
- Contamination of sample with blood precludes cytological examination.
Sources
Publications
- Rusbridge C (1997) Collection and interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid in cats and dogs. In Practice 19 (6), 322-324, 327-331.
