It is important to note that a
neutrophilic pleocytosis not 100 % specific for SMRA and common infectious diseases should be ruled out with serum or CSF titers.
Significantly elevated levels of the inflammatory mediators interleukin - 6 (IL - 6), IL - 8, CCL2, and CXCL13 were observed, as well
as pleocytosis (increased cell counts, primarily white blood cells) in the cerebrospinal fluid of all infected animals — except in those treated with dexamethasone.
Additional publications include the first report of a complete
eosinophilic pleocytosis in the spinal fluid of a cat, and a novel approach to the cranial thoracic spine of dogs and cats.
If meningeal involvement is present the CSF often contains increased protein (> 25 mg / dl) and inflammatory cells (> 5 cells / µl).16 Neutrophils and / or lymphocytes predominate
the pleocytosis along with lesser numbers of macrophages and plasma cells.16, 16a