Subarachnoid catheterization is essential in monitoring CSF pressure, for constant or intermittent CSF collection, and to produce subarachnoid anesthesia. Chronically implanted subarachnoid catheters in humans produce inflammation and fibrosis. To evaluate the effects of subarachnoid catheterization of 48-hours duration, five clinically normal healthy adult horses weighing 511 ± 47 kg were used. A 19 gauge 91.4 cm polyurethane spring-wire reinforced subarachnoid catheter was aseptically placed at the lumbosacral space (L7-S1) under sedation with xylazine, 200 mg IV, and local anesthesia with 12 ml of 2% lidocaine. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Locomotor activity was graded. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected for white and red cell count and bacteriologic and cytologic evaluation. Measurements were taken before (baseline) and at 12, 24, and 48 hours after catheterization. One way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test revealed no difference from baseline in heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, arterial blood pressure and locomotor activity. CSF analysis showed an acute inflammatory reaction with markedly increased cellularity from baseline. No microorganisms were observed. The results of this study suggest that 48 hours of subarachnoid catheterization in horses produces an inflammatory response but no evidence of locomotor impairment.
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