ABSTRACT
The central nervous system (CNS) is a complex of different cell types that acts as the conductor of many autonomic functions and allows for higher mentation. This chapter describes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and CNS cytology and provides an overview of how the diagnostic techniques can be used in some of the more commonly encountered diseases. The role of CSF is to cushion the nervous tissue and provide nutrient support. CSF is an ultrafiltrate of plasma produced by choroid plexus and ependymal cells in the ventricular system of the brain and subarachnoid space. The most common complication associated with CSF collection is hemorrhage. In dogs and cats, CSF can be collected from the cerebellomedullary cistern and the lumbar space. Multiple laboratory tests can be performed on CSF. As reference laboratories become more readily accessible, processing of CSF samples in a clinical setting is becoming a less common event.
