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Reference intervals for feline cerebrospinal fluid: biochemical and serologic variables, IgG concentration, and
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
Insights
This study establishes reference intervals for feline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical and serologic variables in healthy adult cats. Findings detail the impact of gender and blood contamination on CSF analysis, crucial for accurate veterinary diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Clinical Pathology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Accurate reference intervals for feline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are essential for diagnosing neurological diseases.
- Previous studies have lacked comprehensive biochemical and serologic data for healthy feline CSF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference intervals for feline CSF biochemical and serologic variables in clinically normal adult cats.
- To assess the influence of age, gender, and blood contamination on CSF parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CSF and blood samples from 58 clinically normal adult cats.
- Biochemical assays, serologic testing, and electrophoretic fractionation of CSF.
- Evaluation of correlations between CSF and blood concentrations, and the effect of red blood cell (RBC) counts.
Main Results:
- No significant effect of age was observed on any variable.
- CSF total protein concentration was higher in males than females (P = 0.012).
- Blood contamination significantly affected total protein, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, IgG ratio, and gamma-globulin percentage.
Conclusions:
- Proposed reference intervals for feline CSF are provided, derived from cats with low RBC counts (<31 cells/microliters).
- Reference limits are also reported for CSF with higher RBC counts (31-1,700 cells/microliters).
- These intervals are critical for accurate interpretation of feline CSF analyses in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Reference intervals are reported for feline CSF biochemical and serologic variables, IgG concentration, and electrophoretic fractionation, derived from 58 clinically normal adult cats that did not have histologic lesions of the CNS. There was no apparent effect of age on any variable. The CSF total protein concentration was significantly (P = 0.012) greater in males than in females, but all other variables were unaffected by gender. The only variable that had a statistically significant correlation with its corresponding blood concentration was IgG. Blood contamination of the CSF affected the following CSF variables: total protein concentration, activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, IgG ratio, and gamma-globulin percentage. The reference intervals proposed for feline CSF were derived from 33 cats with CSF RBC count less than 31 cells/microliters. Reference limits for CSF with 31 to 1,700 RBC/microliters also are reported.
