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Cerebrospinal fluid: analysis and interpretation in small animals

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes the brain and spinal cord, which are ensheathed by the meninges. Any disease occurring within this compartment has the potential to alter the characteristics of this fluid. CSF analysis forms part of the diagnostic evaluation of animals with neurological disease. It is especially useful for the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis or myelitis that affect the central nervous system, the surrounding meninges and nerve roots. This article describes the indications for performing CSF analysis and describes the techniques that can be employed to obtain a sample. It explains how to handle and analyse CSF samples, with particular emphasis on cytological interpretation. Examples of diseases in which CSF analysis is essential in obtaining a definitive diagnosis are used to illustrate the importance of this procedure.