Fluid Analysis in the Equine Patient

Fluid analysis is an important part of the diagnostic work-up of equine patients presenting with disorders of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and abdominal cavity. Proper specimen handling and processing are paramount for complete and accurate interpretation of fluid samples. Normal cerebrospinal fluid is a low-cellularity, low-protein fluid requiring specific sample handling to ensure accurate results. Joint and abdominal fluid analyses are completed in practice or submitted for analysis to a reference laboratory. This article discusses fluid sample handling and processing considerations for the equine practitioner and reviews cytologic evaluation of normal and abnormal cerebrospinal, synovial, and peritoneal fluid samples.