title: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
abstract: Accurate interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes can only be made in the context of the differential diagnosis for each case. The routine analysis of CSF cell number and type as well as CSF total protein can provide information that suggests a specific mechanism or disease, but is often inconclusive. Further information obtained from CSF protein electrophoresis and immunoglobulin determination and calculation of an albumin quota and IgG index can lend additional support for the suspected mechanism of disease. Paired serum and CSF antibody titers for specific organisms can be useful to confirm the presence of a systemic or nervous system infection. Current research on detecting antibodies against nervous tissue components in CSF should result in better diagnostic capabilities and understanding of the pathophysiology of certain disorders in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chrisman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D002415:Cats; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000662:veterinary*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D004285:Dogs; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000662:veterinary; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000662:veterinary; D009504:Neutrophils
chemical_list: D002556:Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins