Platelet-rich plasma and plasma gel in healing by second intention in rabbits

Abstract

Objective. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma and plasma gel on wound healing by secondary intention in rabbits. Methodology. Eight rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) between 12 and 24 months of age, apparently healthy, male, and female, weighing between 3,5 and 4,5kg were used to which 3 wounds of 2 cm in diameter, assigning a different type of treatment for each one: Treatment 1 (T1): placebo as control; Treatment 2 (T2): platelet rich plasma; Treatment 3 (T3): plasma gel. Biopsies were performed on days 7, 14 and 21 after starting treatment to assess the degree of inflammation, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, collagen deposition, fibroplasia, bacterial contamination, and fungal contamination. Results. On day seven of starting the treatments, a significant increase in the degree of inflammation of the T1 lesions was obtained. On day fourteen the collagen deposition values were statistically higher for T3. At day 7 and 14, fibroplasia was higher for T2 and T3 compared to T1. Conclusions. Wounds treated by secondary intention with platelet rich plasma and plasma gel improve, between 7 and 15 days of treatment, reducing the degree of inflammation and increasing collagen deposition compared to placebo treatment. Between the use of platelet rich plasma and plasma gel, better results were obtained for wounds treated with plasma gel, especially on day fifteen after starting the treatments. Area of study: veterinary medicine, animal health, dermatology.