Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that promote tissue regeneration.¹ Platelet-rich plasma therapy is extensively used in human specialties including dermatology, orthopedics and dentistry.^2-8 Here we present treatment and wound healing progression after a single injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in different soft tissue injuries in dolphins. Blood samples were collected on the same day of application, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared following a 3 minutes centrifugation at 900 rpm protocol, which concentrates platelets greater than two times that of whole blood.⁹ After wound debridement and antiseptic preparation of the area, 0.5–0.9 ml of this concentrated plasma was injected in the tissue where healing was desired. Treated wounds presented less or none necrotic tissue in the following days after the platelet-rich plasma application and rapid granulation tissue formation. A remarkable case includes one individual presenting a deep laceration on the lingual aspect of the gum exposing the mandibular bone to oral cavity. The area showed inflammation and abnormal tissue overgrowth after treatment. Radiographic evaluation could not be performed. Hyperplasia for excessive stimulation of soft and bone tissue regeneration or mandibular fracture with bone callus formation were suspected. This hyperplasia regressed few months later. No other undesirable side effects were observed. Although dolphins show extraordinary capacity to heal deep soft tissue injuries,¹⁰ wound treatment is sometimes challenging in marine mammals. We have observed that treating different types of skin wounds and oral injuries with a single injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma can promote healing minimizing the need for daily topical wound care, making this simple and inexpensive technique promising not only for captive trained dolphins, but also for wild rescued individuals.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dolphin Discovery, Oceanografic and Dolphin Cove Marine Mammal Specialist staff for their assistance.

* Presenting author

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