VCP 411: Medicine Section

BIOCHEMICAL

• Protein and glucose levels are commonly evaluated. Levels are lower than the serum levels.
• Protein: Varies among the species and the site of collection. Protein may be albumin or globuin. Elevation is due to altered blood brain barrier or protein loss from tissues and vessels in to CSF, local immunoglobulin production or a combination of all.
• Non inflammatory (neoplastic): Most elevations are albumin
• Inflammation: Globulin levels are increased
• Combination of both: Inflammation process that affect both CNS and meninges (FIP) is suspected.
• Glucose: Glucose value of CSF is 80% of plasma values. In humans it is increased in bacterial meningitis.
• Specific chemical components and enzymatic activity are rarely used to detect specific diseases in animals.
• Aspartate transaminase and creaatinine kinase are increased in extensive myelin degeneration. LDH is increased in lymphosarcoma.
• CSF culture and other serological tests are done to antibodies against infectious agents and to rule out the causative agents.