Reassessment of cytologic values in canine cerebrospinal fluid by use of cytocentrifugation

Using cytocentrifugation, nearly one fourth of canine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples with cell counts in the normal range had abnormalities in cell type or morphologic features. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 145 dogs with neurologic disorders were evaluated by use of this method. These results indicate that low hemacytometer counts in canine CSF should not be interpreted as normal. By increasing the detection of abnormalities in CSF, cytocentrifugation might improve diagnosis and treatment of canine neurologic disease.