Prevalence of adverse events following lumbar collection of cerebrospinal fluid in cats: 25 cases (2012-2019)

Authors: Kwong H, Fry DR
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 51, Issue 3, pp 183-192, Sep 2021
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cat
Subject Terms: Fluid, Survey
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract:

Collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be associated with uncommon but potentially life-threatening adverse events. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of such adverse events in cats. The medical records of 25 cats that underwent collection of CSF between November 2012 and February 2019 at a referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed for any adverse event within 48 hours of the procedure. Two deaths (2/25, 8%) were noted. These two cats each suffered a generalised seizure followed shortly by cardiorespiratory arrest. The remaining 23 cats recovered uneventfully.

The results of the present study suggest that death can occur following collection of CSF, however, the relationship between collection and these deaths is unknown. Minor adverse events, such as post-procedural pain, were not noted, but may have been overlooked, due to the difficulties in assessment of pain in cats.

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