Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of epsilon aminocaproic acid for the prevention of postamputation bleeding in retired racing G reyhounds with appendicular bone tumors: 46 cases (2003–2008)

Objectives To determine the frequency of delayed postoperative bleeding in retired racing G reyhounds with appendicular bone tumors undergoing limb amputations. To identify if administration of epsilon‐aminocaproic acid ( EACA ) was effective on the prevention of postoperative bleeding. Design Retrospective study from D ecember 2003 to D ecember 2008. Setting Veterinary university teaching hospital. Animals Forty‐six retired racing G reyhounds ( RRG s) diagnosed with primary appendicular bone tumors that underwent limb amputation were included in the study. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Thirteen of 46 RRG s (28%) included in the study had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 48–72 h after surgery. Bleeding episodes included cutaneous, subcutaneous, and external bleeding that extended from the area of the surgical site that became widespread within hours, and that required administration of blood components. A paired t ‐test suggests that there was a significant decrease in PCV postoperatively for both dogs that bled and dogs that did not bleed ( P < 0.0001). Forty of 46 RRG s (86%) received either fresh frozen plasma ( FFP ) or EACA or both, for the prevention of postoperative bleeding. A logistic regression model determined that dogs that did not receive EACA were 5.7 times more likely to bleed than dogs that did receive EACA , when controlling for whether or not they received FFP (95% CI : 1.02–32.15, P = 0.047). Conclusion This retrospective study suggests that preemptive postoperative administration of EACA appears to be efficacious in decreasing the frequency of bleeding in RRG s undergoing limb amputation; however, a prospective study is warranted to corroborate its effectiveness.