Epidural scar fibrosis commonly leads to functional disability and pain following spinal surgery and is a prevalent manifestation of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). This study aimed to evaluate the use of silver nano-articles (AgNPs) loaded on chitosan (Chi/Ag-NPs) with platelets-rich fibrin (PRF) gel for the reduction of post-laminectomy epidural scar adhesions. A total of 90 male Sprague Dawley rats (255 ± 55gm) were randomized in-to six groups, each group with 15 rats: control group, laminectomy group, PRF group, Chi/Ag-NPs group, combined treatment group (PRF + Chi/Ag-NPs), and a group to prepare PRF. Lumbar laminectomy procedures were performed between L3-L5 in all rats except the control group. After a 30-days follow-up, macroscopic examination, histological studies, and mRNA evaluation for TGFβ-1and IL-6, were conducted. Data revealed that epidural scar adhesion, scaring, arachnoid involvement, dural thickness, as well as inflammation and TGFβ-1and IL-6 coding genes expression were significantly reduced in PRF group, Chi/Ag-NPs group, and combined group compared to the laminectomy group. Combined treatment showed more significant better outcomes. The use of PRF with Chi/Ag-NPs as nano biomaterials could be considered a combination therapy for the reduction of EF post-laminectomy in a rat model.

Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of lidocaine, tramadol, and their combination for lumbosacral epidural analgesia in rabbits undergoing knee surgery. Materials and methods: This study was performed on 24 male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.8 to 3.0 kg and was allocated into three groups. All groups were anaesthetized by intramuscular (IM) injection of 35 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine, 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol. Rabbits in Group A received epidural analgesia of 4 mg/kg lidocaine 2%; Group B rabbits received epidural analgesia of 4 mg/kg tramadol 5%, and Group C rabbits received epidural analgesia of a combination of 4 mg/kg lidocaine and 4 mg/kg tramadol. Prior to and during surgery, the following parameters were recorded in a regular pre-set time interval: onset time of analgesia (OT), duration of flaccid paralysis (DFP), duration of analgesia (DA), onset and duration of sensory blockade, onset and duration of motor blockade, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (RT). Results: The mean OT demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in Group C (46.5 ± 1.4 sec) compared to Group A and B (61.0 ± 2.4 and 54.5 ± 3.5 sec), respectively. DFP was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Group C (35.5 ± 2.9 min) than in Group A and B (17.6 ± 1.4 and 21.8 ± 3.6), respectively. DA showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in group C (45.8 ± 3.3 min) compared to groups A and B, respectively (23.3 ± 1.1 and 31.5 ± 2.3). Heart rate, RR, and RT significantly decreased in Group C compared to the other groups. Conclusion: According to the current study findings, lumbosacral epidural administration of lidocaine combined with tramadol could be a better choice for potentiating the analgesia than administration of either drug separately and may be safely used in rabbits undergoing knee surgery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of surgical excision combined with a single shot of vincristine sulfate for treating transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) in dogs. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two dogs were divided randomly into two groups (n = 26). Dogs in Group I were treated surgically by debulking the tumorous mass, whereas dogs in Group II were subjected to a combination of surgery and a single injection of vincristine sulfate. Results: Female dogs showed a high prevalence of TVT compared to males (67.3%, n = 35 vs. 32.7%, n = 17), respectively. The German shepherd’s breed showed a high prevalence of TVT compared to other breeds. There was a positive association between sex and outcomes. Most occurrences of regret in Group II were reported in females (n = 16, 61.5%) compared to male dogs (n = 10, 38.5%). There was also a positive association between breed and outcome. Most occurrences of regret in Group II were reported in German shepherd dogs (n = 16) compared to Group I (n = 7). In Group I, 15 dogs (57.7%) showed a complete regression, and 11 (42.3%) underwent recurrence. However, in Group II, 21 dogs (80.7%) showed a complete regression, and 5 dogs (19.2 %) underwent recurrence. Conclusions: It appears therefore that the simultaneous use of surgery and administration of a single dose of vincristine sulfate could be considered a combination therapy for TVT as it reduces the risk of recurrence and has a reasonable cost. Recognizing potential risk factors associated with TVT in dogs may be helpful in constructing the best preventive measures.