INDICATIONS FOR LUMBOSACRAL CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID COLLECTION IN RUMINANT SPECIES IN-FIELD SITUATIONS

Lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid (GSF) can be readily collected under f arm situations using standard disposable hypodermic needles except for in cattle >300 kg bodyweight where a 4-inch (10-cm) 18-gauge epidural needle plus stylette is required. Cerebrospinal fluid sampling and ob servation improve speed and accuracy of the differential diagnosis whe n included in the clinical examination of sheep and cattle with neurol ogical disorders. No untoward sequelae were detected in any of the 522 animals monitored during the B-month follow-up period.