Background
Periodontal disease (PD) is highly prevalent in dogs and often diagnosed in advanced stages. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous fibrin matrix rich in growth factors that may promote periodontal healing. We optimized a canine PRF protocol (200 g × 8 min) and here report preliminary clinical outcomes from an ongoing study.
Objectives
To evaluate 21-day clinical effects of PRF membranes placed into periodontal pockets compared with conventional therapy alone.
Methods
We present results from six cases (five using canine teeth, one using molars). A split-mouth design was used: one hemiarch received conventional therapy (scaling, root planing, polishing, sulcular lavage; control), and the contralateral hemiarch the same plus PRF placement and suture fixation (treated). Clinical assessments at Day 0 and Day 21 included probing pocket depth (PPD, mm), gingival index (GI, 0–3), and tooth mobility (0–3).The protocol was approved by the CEUA FVet, Universidad de la República (form 1496), and written owner consent was obtained.
Results
Baseline PPD was 5.12 ± 1.1 mm (treated) and 4.81 ± 0.9 mm (control), decreasing to 2.92 ± 0.7 mm and 2.85 ± 0.8 mm, respectively, at Day 21. Mean PPD reduction was 2.19 ± 0.85 mm (treated) versus 1.96 ± 0.78 mm (control), with no significant difference (paired t-test p=0.51, Wilcoxon p=0.38). GI improved equally in both groups (mean reduction 1.33 ± 0.52 in treated; 1.33 ± 0.41 in control; n=6; p=1.00). Mobility decreased by one grade in both treated and control sites of the single evaluable case. One molar furcation site improved by 1 grade with PRF, with no change in control. All procedures were uneventful, and treated sites showed clinically improved gingival appearance. Radiographic and histologic analyses are ongoing, including grading of inflammatory cell infiltrates in gingival biopsies.
Conclusions
In this preliminary cohort, both therapies achieved short-term clinical improvement, with no significant differences between groups. PRF application was feasible and safe, supporting continued case recruitment and evaluation of long-term, multimodal outcomes.
