Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Canine Alopecia

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjunct to conventional management in dogs affected with alopecia and to assess the utility of trichogram analysis as a diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring tool. A total of 20 client owned dogs presented with alopecia were divided into two treatment groups and compared with ten healthy controls. Dogs in group I received conventional therapy, while Group II received conventional therapy along with PRP administration once weekly for two consecutive weeks. Haematology, serum biochemistry, and trichogram analysis were performed before and after therapy. Pre-treatment trichogram analysis revealed predominance of telogen hairs along with follicular casts, trichoptilosis, distorted hair shafts, and pigmentary abnormalities, indicating follicular inactivity and impaired hair growth. Post-therapeutic evaluation demonstrated significant clinical improvement in PRP-treated dogs, characterized by earlier hair regrowth, improved coat quality, increased hair density, and a higher proportion of anagen hairs compared to dogs receiving conventional therapy alone. The average recovery time and percentage recovery were superior in the PRP-treated group (9 days and 97%, respectively) compared to the conventional therapy group (17 days and 74%, respectively).