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Chapter 5: Cisternal Cerebrospinal Fluid Taps 57

Figure 5.5 Collection of the CSF sample. An assistant collects the CSF into
the sample tube as it drips from the needle.
Interpretation
Optimally, cell counts and cytological preparations should be per-
formed within 20 min of sample acquisition. Protein analysis and
PCR, antigen or antibody tests can be performed later. The samples
are submitted to a qualified laboratory and routine analyses should
include color, clarity, red cell and white cell counts, cytology, and
Figure 5.4 Palpating landmarks for cisternal CSF tap. The gloved left hand protein quantity.
is used to grasp the wings of the atlas and identify the occipital protuberance
to visualize the insertion point for the spinal needle (inset).

Video clips to accompany this book can be found on
Possible Complications the companion website at:
As with any procedure, complications can occur secondary to CSF www.wiley.com/go/shores/neurosurgery
sample acquisition. Most complications are minor and self‐limiting,
while others can be life‐threatening. Minor hemorrhage due to
trauma to a minor vessel can be a relatively common complication References
and is generally self‐limiting. Hemorrhage can be severe if the 1 Lorenz MD, Coates JR, Kent M. Handbook of Veterinary Neurology, 5th edn. St Louis,
patient is thrombocytopenic or has a coagulopathy [2]. Other, more MO: Elsevier, 2011: 81–85.
severe, complications can include herniation associated with mark- 2 Bagley RS. Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Neurology. Ames, IA: Wiley‐
Blackwell, 2005: 217–219.
edly increased intracranial pressure (i.e., intracranial neoplasia) 3 Dewey CW. A Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology, 2nd edn. Ames, IA:
and iatrogenic brainstem trauma (pithing) [2,3]. Wiley‐Blackwell, 2008: 75–78.