What is a spinal tap?
A. A spinal tap is a procedure where spinal fluid is collected from the space surrounding the spinal cord, either in the neck, just behind the head, or in the lower back. General anesthesia is necessary because the dog must be perfectly still and the procedure itself is painful. The hair over the collection site is clipped and the skin disinfected. A needle is placed through the skin and muscle, into the space surrounding the spinal cord. The spinal fluid is allowed to flow out into a collection tube. Usually about 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of fluid is collected. The body will replace this fluid in about 1 hour. The most substantial risk associated with a spinal tap is the anesthesia. The risk of anesthetic complications in a healthy dog are very low. However, dogs that need spinal taps often have neurological disease, which may increase the risk. The risks of general anesthesia in a dog with idiopathic epilepsy is very low. The other risk is the potential for damage to the nervous system as t
