Epsilon aminocaproic acid for the prevention of delayed postoperative bleeding in retired racing greyhounds undergoing gonadectomy.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) on the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds (RRG), and to assess its effects on selected thrombelastography (TEG) and fibrinolysis variables.

Study Design: Double-blinded, prospective, randomized study.

Methods: 100 RRG had elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy and were administered EACA or placebo for 3 days after surgery. TEG variables were analyzed preoperatively and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery.

Results: Thirty percent (15/50) of RRG in the placebo group had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 36-48 hours after surgery compared with 10% (5/50) in the EACA group (P = .012). On the TEG variables, the slopes for R and K time were significantly different between treatment groups (P <.05); the R and K time decreased over time in the EACA group after surgery whereas they increased in the placebo group. The angle, maximal amplitude (MA), and G slopes were also significantly different between treatment groups (P = .001, .001, and .006, respectively). The angle, MA, and G increased postoperatively over time in the EACA group and decreased in the placebo group. All these changes are supportive of hypercoagulability associated with EACA administration.

Conclusion: Postoperative administration of EACA significantly decreased the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in RRG undergoing surgery by increasing the clot strength.