{"id":17507,"date":"2026-01-16T14:50:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/2026\/01\/16\/cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-collection-in-dogs-to-tap-or-not-to-tap\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T15:45:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T15:45:53","slug":"cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-collection-in-dogs-to-tap-or-not-to-tap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/us\/2026\/01\/16\/cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-collection-in-dogs-to-tap-or-not-to-tap\/","title":{"rendered":"Cerebrospinal\u00a0Fluid (CSF)\u00a0Collection in Dogs: To Tap or Not to Tap?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When faced with a neurological case, every clue matters. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is often considered a key diagnostic step, offering insight into conditions ranging from infectious and immune-mediated diseases to neoplasia. But is a spinal tap always the right choice? <\/p>\n\n<p>In this article, Cecilia Danciu,\u00a0DVM\u00a0MVetMed\u00a0PhD\u00a0DipECVN\u00a0MRCVS,\u00a0Lecturer in Veterinary Neurology\u00a0at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpool.ac.uk\/small-animal-teaching-hospital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Liverpool\u2019s Small Animal Teaching Hospital<\/a>,\u00a0explores the role of CSF analysis in veterinary neurology, outlining when it can be invaluable, how it\u2019s performed, and the risks clinicians need to weigh before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Cerebrospinal Fluid?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n<p>The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a plasma ultrafiltrate, that surrounds the brain,\u00a0the\u00a0spinal cord and fills\u00a0the ventricular system of the brain. It offers physical support of the neural structures, aids in intracerebral transportation,\u00a0excretion,\u00a0and control of the chemical environment of the\u00a0central\u00a0nervous system (CNS).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Is the CSF Produced?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Most\u00a0of the CSF is produced in the choroid plexus of the third and fourth ventricles, then in a lesser extent in the pia-arachnoid vessels, ependymal lining of the ventricles and in the CNS parenchyma.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Is the CSF Absorbed?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The CSF has a\u00a0predominantly\u00a0caudal\u00a0flow,\u00a0and\u00a0it gets absorbed in the arachnoid villi, cerebral veins and the in the lymphatic\u00a0vessels\u00a0of the cranial and spinal nerves.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do We Want to Collect CSF?<\/h2>\n\n<p>In order to reach a definitive neurological diagnosis, histopathology is required. Taking biopsies of the CNS is invasive and associated with risks. However, performing spinal tap to collect CSF, generally, is considered a relatively safe and non-invasive procedure and can give information on the presence of pathology within the CNS:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> infectious: i.e., protozoal, fungal, bacterial meningoencephalitides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> non-infectious inflammatory: i.e., immune-mediated meningoencephalitides {meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology, steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis}<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and neoplastic processes: i.e., round cell tumours such as lymphoma or histiocytic sarcoma]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Despite this, presence of changes in the CSF does not correlate with the severity of the lesion. Additionally, absence of CSF changes does not rule out inflammatory or neoplastic disease.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Is the CSF Collected?<\/h2>\n\n<p>The decision to\u00a0proceed\u00a0with CSF collection is based on the evaluation of clinical and imaging\u00a0findings, alongside careful consideration of the\u00a0likely diagnostic\u00a0yield and overall risk\u2013benefit for the individual patient.\u00a0The collection of\u00a0CSF\u00a0is always performed\u00a0by a trained veterinarian\u00a0after\u00a0a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/us\/products\/small-animal-mri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)<\/a>\u00a0scan,\u00a0to interpret findings and\u00a0to\u00a0aid in decision making.<\/p>\n\n<p>The CSF is collected under general anesthesia\u00a0using an aseptic technique. Because,\u00a0the CSF has a predominant caudal flow, the aim is to collect caudally\u00a0to\u00a0the lesion. An exception to this can be a cervical lesion, where a tap performed in the\u00a0cerebellomedullary\u00a0cistern may be of a higher\u00a0yield. The two locations for the CSF collection would include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The cerebellomedullary cistern which is located in the dorsal subarachnoid space at the level of the first two cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Lumbar Subarachnoid Space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>For the latter, the CSF collection is performed\u00a0between\u00a0L5-L6 in dogs and L6-L7 in cats.\u00a0A 22 or 20-gauge, 1.5-inch spinal needle will usually reach the subarachnoid space in most dogs and cats.\u00a0The\u00a0maximum\u00a0CSF that can be collected is approximately 1 ml\/5 Kg body weight, all by gravitational drop through the spinal\u00a0needle. The CSF can be collected in plain collection tubes for quantitative analysis, which would include total nucleated cell count, red blood cell count, protein\u00a0concentration\u00a0and cytological analysis. The analysis is\u00a0aimed to be performed within 30 minutes to one hour\u00a0from collection.\u00a0\u00a0Additional\u00a0testing can be performed\u00a0(collected in EDTA tubes for\u00a0ELISA,\u00a0PCR\u00a0and biomarkers)\u00a0as\u00a0required.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Always Safe to Collect CSF?<\/h2>\n\n<p>It is not always safe to collect CSF! <\/p>\n\n<p>One contraindication would include the patient being unstable under general anesthesia. In this scenario, prioritizing patient stability and potentially rescheduling the CSF collection is advisable. Evidence of coagulopathy is another contraindication, as this can result in the development of subcutaneous, epidural or subarachnoid bleeding. <\/p>\n\n<p>Another contraindication would include suspected or confirmed instability affecting the vertebral column (i.e., atanto-axial instability, or fracture\/luxation). Collection of CSF is contraindicated if there is evidence of increased intracranial pressure, that could potentially result in transtentorial or foramen magnum herniation (Figure 1). <\/p>\n\n<p>Another reason why CSF collection could be contraindicated includes pyoderma at the site of needle placement, because this way infectious agents could be introduced in the subarachnoid space or CNS.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"279\" src=\"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-1024x279.png\" alt=\"Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in dog and cat brains\" class=\"wp-image-17494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-1024x279.png 1024w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-300x82.png 300w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-768x209.png 768w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-500x136.png 500w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-1000x273.png 1000w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-540x147.png 540w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap-1080x294.png 1080w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture1-CSF-Tap.png 1379w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Figure 1.<\/strong> A) T2-weighted (W) sagittal MRI image demonstrating a normal dog brain. B) T2-W sagittal MRI image of a 9-year-old male neutered cat diagnosed with a brain meningioma. The cat is having imaging sings of increased intracranial pressure characterized by marked caudal transtentorial herniation of the parahippocampal gyrus (within yellow circle) and foramen magnum herniation of the uvula of the cerebellum (white arrow). C) T2-W sagittal MRI image of the brain of a 9-year-old female neutered cross breed dog who was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology with secondary oedema characterised by a multifocal, ill-defined, intra-axial T2-W hyperintense lesion at the level of fronto-parietal area (amber asterisks). This lesion is causing secondary mass effect into caudal transtentorial herniation of the parahippocampal gyrus (amber circle), and moderate compression of the cerebellum and caudal displacement of the cerebellar vermis (amber arrowhead).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Complications Have Been Associated With CSF Collection in Dogs?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n<p>Minor complications associated with CSF collection have been reported in dogs and include the development of a subcutaneous hematoma in approximately 1%, local dermatitis in approximately 0.6%, or the inability to collect CSF in 7.8% when performed in veterinary referral practice.<\/p>\n\n<p>More severe complications have been infrequently reported in single case reports, including progressive myelomalacia and hematomyelia after lumbar CSF collection in dogs.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of CSF Studies<\/h2>\n\n<p>In a larger study, 0.15% of dogs experienced a major complication from over 7000 CSF collections performed in a veterinary referral practice setting. Complications included cardiopulmonary arrest or severe neurological deterioration leading to death or euthanasia. Clinical signs that were more commonly picked up in these dogs, included obtundation and multifocal neuroanatomical localisation. Changes that were observed on the MRI studies before the CSF collection, included effacement of the cerebral sulci suggesting expansion of brain parenchyma and dilatation of the ventricular system, suggesting increased intraventricular pressure. Repeat MRI after the complication could aid in understanding in the reason of deterioration (Figure 2).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-1024x301.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-1024x301.png 1024w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-300x88.png 300w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-768x226.png 768w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-500x147.png 500w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-1000x294.png 1000w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-540x159.png 540w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap-1080x318.png 1080w, https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Picture2-CSF-Tap.png 1379w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Figure\u00a02.<\/strong>\u202fMRI of the brain of a\u00a03.5-year-old\u00a0male neutered Standard Schnauzer that\u00a0encountered\u00a0a major complication following CSF collection (failed to\u00a0recover spontaneous ventilation). A) T2-weighted (W) sagittal image showing dilation of the third ventricle (white arrows) with reduction of size and angulation of the\u00a0interthalamic\u00a0adhesion (white\u00a0asterisk). Flow artefact is seen\u202fin the mesencephalic aqueduct and fourth ventricle (white arrowheads). B) T2-W sagittal image obtained post-CSF collection\u00a0from the same dog: the third ventricle appears reduced in volume with expansion of the\u00a0interthalamic\u00a0adhesion (within the yellow circle) and foramen magnum herniation of the caudal aspect of the cerebellar vermis (yellow arrowhead). All lesions are described\u00a0relative\u00a0to normal\u00a0grey\u00a0matter\u00a0(Figure reference:\u00a0<em>Danciu CG at al., Major Complications Associated\u00a0With\u00a0Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection in 11 Dogs: Clinical Presentation and Imaging Characteristics. JVIM, 2025<\/em>).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CSF Collection: Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n<p>The frequency of complications following CSF collection remain low, but when it occurs, the mortality rate can be high. Therefore,\u00a0prior MRI scan and\u00a0careful individual evaluation of each patient is\u00a0indicated, to reduce the risks associated with CSF collection in dogs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h5>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Danciu CG, McCarthy A, Crawford A. Major Complications Associated\u00a0With\u00a0Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection in 11 Dogs: Clinical Presentation and Imaging Characteristics. J Vet Intern Med. 2025 Jul-Aug;39(4):e70165.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Fentem\u00a0R, Nagendran A, Marioni-Henry K, Madden M, Phillipps S, Cooper C, Gon\u00e7alves R. Complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid collection in dogs. Vet Rec. 2023 Sep 20;193(6):e2787.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Danciu CG,\u00a0Szladovits\u00a0B, Crawford AH, Ognean L, De Decker S. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis lacks diagnostic specificity in dogs with vestibular disease. Vet Rec. 2021 Nov;189(10):e557.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Cook L, Drost WT.\u00a0Hemorrhagic\u00a0Myelomalacia in a Bichon Frise Following Lumbar Spinal Tap-A Case Report. Top Companion Anim Med. 2019\u00a0Mar;34:47-50.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Di\u00a0Terlizzi\u00a0R, Platt SR.\u00a0The function,\u00a0composition\u00a0and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in companion animals: part II &#8211; analysis. Vet J. 2009 Apr;180(1):15-32.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Luj\u00e1n\u00a0Feliu-Pascual A,\u00a0Garosi\u00a0L, Dennis R, Platt S. Iatrogenic brainstem injury during\u00a0cerebellomedullary\u00a0cistern puncture. Vet\u00a0Radiol\u00a0Ultrasound. 2008 Sep-Oct;49(5):467-71.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:12px\">Platt SR, Dennis R, Murphy K, De Stefani A.\u00a0Hematomyelia\u00a0secondary to lumbar cerebrospinal fluid acquisition in a dog. Vet\u00a0Radiol\u00a0Ultrasound. 2005 Nov-Dec;46(6):467-71.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When faced with a neurological case, every clue matters. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is often considered a key diagnostic step, offering insight into conditions ranging from infectious and immune-mediated diseases to neoplasia. But is a spinal tap always the right choice? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14083,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[71,105],"class_list":["post-17507","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mri-us","category-small-animal-us"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/app\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vet-check-dog-2047547013.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sara Horner","author_link":"https:\/\/hallmarq.net\/us\/author\/sara\/"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cerebrospinal\u00a0Fluid (CSF)\u00a0Collection in Dogs: To Tap or Not to Tap?\u00a0 - Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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