Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Significant advancements in imaging and surgical methodologies have led to more frequent performance of neurosurgical procedures such as laminectomy in both animal and human patients. Epidural fibrosis (EF) is defined as the excessive formation of scar tissue in the epidural space after lumbar laminectomy, often resulting in recurring postoperative pain. Given the association between postoperative hematoma accumulation at the laminectomy site and the development of EF, the present study aimed to evaluate the preventive impact of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent with well-recognized hemostatic properties across various surgical fields. A rabbit laminectomy model was constructed to assess its effectiveness in reducing EF formation. A total number of 18 adult New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: The control (saline) group and the treatment (topical TXA) group. Each rabbit underwent a two-level laminectomy at L3-L4. The treatment group received 5.00 mL of 100 mg mL^-1 TXA solution applied topically to the laminectomy site, while the control group received 5.00 mL of saline. Postoperative evaluations included magnetic resonance imaging at week six to assess EF, followed by histopathological examinations to evaluate fibroblast cell density in scar tissue, EF grading and thickness of the dura mater. The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic data revealed significant differences between the two groups indicating that topical administration of TXA might be a promising approach for preventing EF.

Abstract Dogs presented to the Small Animal Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran were included in the present study if spinal or intervertebral disc involvement was suspected. Clinical signs were recorded as well as general information of the patient such as age, breed and sex. Sixty dogs were examined radiographically and two standard orthogonal lateral and ventrodorsal projections were taken from the suspected region. Then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for all patients. Agreement between MRI and radiographic findings, comparison of sex and breed with diagnostic imaging grades, comparison between diagnostic imaging grades and mean age, recovery rate after surgery or medical treatment, effects of diagnostic imaging severity grades on surgical or medical referrals were evaluated statistically. There were no significant association between age, sex and breed and frequency of the intervertebral disk disease. Intervertebral disc involvements between L₂-L₃ and T₁₃-L₁ were estimated as the most frequent sites of involvements. Sensitivity and specificity of radiography were evaluated 90.0% and 46.0%, respectively, by considering the MRI as a gold standard modality. There was a significant association between severity of disease in the MRI with referral to surgery and medical treatment. The recovery rate after surgery was significantly higher than medical treatment. These results can be used as a foundation for other studies with more focuses on details of injury and larger group of patients.