Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Therapy on Wound Healing in Dogs

Abstract Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), also recognized as leukocyte-rich-PRF, is a recent platelet-based biomaterial, pointed as an innovative regenerative strategy for the treatment of wounds, from different etiologies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous PRF as a regenerative therapy for the treatment of skin wounds of multiple etiology, in dogs. The authors postulated that autologous PRFs could be successfully used as a biocompatible patch to increase the physiologic wound regeneration, acting as a biological antiseptic biomaterial, in spontaneous open large or chronic wounds in dogs. Eight dogs, aged between 7-months to 9-year-old, with naturally occurring cutaneous wounds were enrolled in this study. Four of these wounds were infected. The PRF treatment was initially performed two times per week, followed by single weekly treatments from the second week onwards, until exophytic granulation tissue was present. The study was finalized when complete wound closure was achieved. Results: PRF grafting treatments were well tolerated in all treated wounds, inducing significant granulation tissue formation. PRF clots acted as a natural tissue-filler, promoting the epithelization and wound closure, without the requirement of topical antimicrobial/antiseptics application, or additional debridement. Evident skin contraction was recorded in larger injuries and all the treatments resulted in vestigial aesthetic scars.Conclusions: The PRF therapy constitutes a promising regenerative treatment, accelerating the natural healing process.