The research article discusses a study on two horses that experienced complications after a C1-C2 cervical centesis, a procedure for collecting cerebrospinal fluid, which eventually led to their euthanasia. The complications included subarachnoid hemorrhage and axonal degeneration, underscoring the potential risks of the procedure.

Methodology

• The researchers studied the cases of two horses that underwent C1-C2 cervical centesis, a common procedure for collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in standing horses.
• In both cases, the procedure was carried out routinely with no evident blood contamination in the CSF cytologic analysis.

Findings and Complications

• Within days of the C1-C2 centesis, both horses experienced complications that eventually led to their euthanasia.
• For Horse 1, post-mortem examination identified the primary disorder causing initial neurologic deficits as equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. However, for Horse 2, no distinct lesion was found that could explain its deficits.
• Despite the differing underlying issues, both horses showed evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage at or near the centesis site. This type of hemorrhage refers to bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it.
• Wallerian axonal degeneration was also found in the cranial cervical spinal cord of both horses. This condition occurs when nerve fibers degenerate and die off, resulting in neurological deficits.

Conclusion

• The study suggests that despite the increasing popularity of C1-C2 centesis, it is not without risks.
• Complications such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and Wallerian axonal degeneration, though rare, can occur and can be severe enough to warrant euthanasia.
• These findings serve as a critical reminder for veterinary professionals to consider the potential risks and complications associated with this technique.