Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection & Analysis
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
A clear, colorless fluid called cerebro-spinal fluid bathes the brain and spinal cord. It is produced and resorbed in a specific area of the brain and circulates through a specific path. It protects the brain and spinal cord mechanically and chemically.
The gross appearance of the fluid and specific laboratory values are evaluated to determine the health of the brain and spinal cord.
In the horse, this fluid is most commonly sampled from one of two sites:
The lumbo-sacral (L-S) space is in front of the highest point of the hip. Sampling of fluid here is a standing procedure. It requires sedation and a 6-8" long needle.
The atlanto-occipital space is a site between the skull and the first neck vertebrae. Sampling here requires general anesthesia and a shorter needle. It is a quick and simple procedure.
The gross appearance of the fluid and specific laboratory values are evaluated to determine the health of the brain and spinal cord.
In the horse, this fluid is most commonly sampled from one of two sites:
The lumbo-sacral (L-S) space is in front of the highest point of the hip. Sampling of fluid here is a standing procedure. It requires sedation and a 6-8" long needle.
The atlanto-occipital space is a site between the skull and the first neck vertebrae. Sampling here requires general anesthesia and a shorter needle. It is a quick and simple procedure.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
BENEFITS
Brain and spinal cord diseases may be reflected in the changes found within cerebro-spinal fluid.Antibodies and infectious agents found within the cerebro-spinal fluid may help confirm that in fact the brain or spinal cord has been infected with a particular agent.
LIMITATIONS
Injuries to the inner parts of the brain and spinal cord may not be reflected in the fluid.
Fluid changes may not be as obvious when fluid is sampled from a site very distant from a focal area of injury.
Sampling may be difficult in some cases at the L-S space.
Contamination of fluid samples with blood may make the diagnostics performed of less value.