If you have a Greyhound who is about to undergo amputation surgery, it is important to know that about 25 percent of Greys will experience postoperative bleeding after surgery, even though they might have normal pre-op blood tests and no excessive bleeding during surgery.
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University actually has had a Greyhound Health and Wellness Program which is leading the way in studying ways to alleviate this condition.*
Take a minute to download the program’s Post-Operative Bleeding in Greyhounds Study as previously published in a 2008 edition of the Journal of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine,
The Morris Animal Foundation has funded another study for the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program, to evaluate the use of Control of postamputation bleeding using aminocaproic acid, which strengthens blood clotting formations. This study has been used in humans for postoperative bleeding, and can be administered intraveneously or orally. Researchers of this study theorize that by giving Greys ACA after surgery, they can decrease the prevalance and severity of bleeding.
This Summer/Fall 2009 Edition of the Greyhound Health and Wellness Program Newsletter talks about post-op bleeding in Greys, as well as the groundbreaking work they are doing to improve the quality of life for Greys everywhere.
NOTE: Ohio State is no longer conducting the Greyhounds Health program but Dr. Cuoto, its previous director, can now be reached for consultations at Cuoto Veterinary Consulting. You can also learn more at The Greyhound Health Initiative.
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