EQUINE CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID - PHYSIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES AND COLLECTION TECHNIQUES

Collection of cerebrospinal fluid aids the diagnostic investigation of neurologic disease in horses by further defining the disease process. Such definition facilitates determining a specific cause. Familiarity with the anatomic and physiologic principles of cerebrospinal fluid function, formation, circulation, composition, and relationship to the blood-brain barrier assists in the understanding of normal cerebrospinal constituents and alterations resulting from disease. This article discusses these principles as well as indications and methods for cerebrospinal fluid sample handling and submission for analysis.