Cerebrospinal Fluid Testing

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury. The fluid is normally clear.

• There are different ways to get a sample of CSF. Cisternal puncture (spinal tap) is the most common, but a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) can also be used. Cisternal puncture uses a needle placed below the back of the skull. Lumbar puncture is more technically difficult as the space in cats is very small.
• Your cat will have an anaesthetic to keep them still, and it will be positioned on its side. The area will be clipped and cleaned, and a spinal needle will be inserted. Once the needle is in position, the CSF  is collected.
• The needle is removed, and the area is cleaned. Your cat is then woken up from anaesthesia and monitored closely until it has recovered.
• In some cases, special X-rays are used to help guide the needle into position. This is called fluoroscopy or radiography. It is more common with lumbar punctures.

• Yes. This is a specialised procedure, and complications are possible as the space is close to the brain stem. Our feline team perform these tests regularly and is very experienced, so complications are rare. When they do occur, it is typically in cats with severe neurological conditions prior to the procedure. These neurological diseases can result in raised pressures within the skull (raised intracranial pressure), and when CSF is removed, it can cause a shift in pressures that can result in compression of the brain by the base of the skull.
• Performing advanced imaging prior to the procedure can help us identify increased risk factors for this procedure. If we think the procedure may be too risky, we may recommend that it not be performed. Fortunately, complications associated with CSF collection are rare.

Cell counts and fluid analysis will take 24 hours. Advanced testing for infectious diseases (PCR) takes 7-10 days.