Retrospective analysis of cerebrospinal fluid findings according to the etiological classification of neurological diseases in dogs

Abstract

This study characterized the neurological diseases in dogs based on the physical, chemical, and cytological findings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A total of 87 dogs with a final clinical diagnosis of central nervous system disease were included and classified into etiological groups according to the VITAMIN-D mnemonic. The inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and degenerative groups were the most prevalent and were included in the statistical analyses, resulting in a total of 101 CSF samples from 75 dogs. The study demonstrated significant associations between age, color, glucose concentration, percentage of polymorphonuclear cells, pleocytosis, and specific etiological groups. The inflammatory group was characterized by dogs with lower body weight and CSF samples with relatively lower glucose levels. The infectious group was characterized by younger dogs, predominantly colorless CSF samples, and marked pleocytosis. The neoplastic group was characterized by older dogs and predominantly colorless CSF samples. The degenerative group was characterized by dogs of intermediate age and body weight, predominantly pigmented CSF samples, and absence of pleocytosis. These findings help refine the interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid analysis, provide epidemiological data from a Brazilian referral hospital population, and reinforce the diagnostic value of CSF analysis in naturally occurring neurological diseases.