Complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid collection in dogs

Background: This study aimed to identify complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in dogs. Methods: This was a prospective, observational multicentre study using data collected from 102 dogs undergoing CSF collection for the investigation of neurological disease. CSF was collected from the cerebellomedullary cistern (CMC), lumbar subarachnoid space (LSAS) or both sites. Pre-, intra- and postprocedural data were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed to outline complications associated with CSF collection. Results: CSF sampling was attempted on 108 occasions, and CSF was acquired on 100 occasions (92.6%). Collection from the CMC was more likely to be successful than that from the LSAS. No dogs exhibited neurologic deterioration following CSF collection. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-CSF collection short-form Glasgow composite measure pain scores in ambulatory dogs (p = 0.13). Limitations: The scarcity of complications limited the ability to quantify the incidence of some potential complications reported elsewhere. Conclusions: Our results may be used to inform clinicians and owners that CSF sampling is associated with a low frequency of complications when performed by trained personnel.