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Clinical Evaluation of Autologous PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) in the Treatment of Periodontitis in Small-Breed Dogs
by
, , , , and
Dmitrij Kvitka
*
,
Martinas Jankauskas
,
Matas Klupšas
,
Aistė Gradeckienė
,
Dalia Juodžentė
and
Greta Rudenkovaitė
Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2025, 15(24), 3581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243581
Submission received: 1 November 2025
/
Revised: 4 December 2025
/
Accepted: 10 December 2025
/
Published: 12 December 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
Simple Summary
Periodontal disease is among the most common oral health problems in dogs, affecting up to 80% of animals by two years of age. Small-breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Terriers, Pomeranians, and Toy Poodles are particularly susceptible due to their genetic predisposition to rapid plaque accumulation and early-onset periodontitis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative therapy derived from autologous blood, has shown promising results in promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of PRP injections without additional activating agents in the routine treatment of stage 2–3 periodontitis in small-breed dogs. Forty-two dogs were divided into PRP and control groups. After 30 days, the PRP-treated dogs exhibited significant reductions in gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket depth, and horizontal bone loss compared with controls. No adverse effects were observed. These results demonstrate that PRP can serve as a safe, minimally invasive, and effective adjunctive therapy for improving periodontal health and promoting tissue regeneration in small-breed dogs.
Abstract
Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory condition frequently diagnosed in dogs, particularly in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Terriers, Spitz, Toy Poodles and other breeds predisposed to rapid plaque and tartar accumulation. As the field of regenerative medicine becomes more popular, more and more attention is being paid to substances that promote tissue regeneration, one of which is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is an autologous blood-derived product rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and modulate inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of PRP injections without additional activating agents in the management of stage 2–3 periodontitis in small-breed dogs. Forty-two adult dogs (Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Terriers, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, and Havanese) were enrolled and divided into two groups: PRP (n = 30) and control (n = 12). Following standard dental prophylaxis, the PRP group received gingival, submucosal, and periodontal pocket injections of PRP (0.1 mL per site). Periodontitis stage, gingival index, periodontal pocket depth, and horizontal bone loss were evaluated at baseline and 30 days post-treatment. PRP therapy significantly improved all evaluated parameters (p < 0.05). The gingival index decreased threefold, periodontal pocket depth was reduced twofold, and horizontal bone loss decreased by more than twofold compared with baseline and controls. No adverse reactions, discomfort, or postoperative complications were observed. The administration of non-activated PRP as an adjunct to dental cleaning significantly enhances soft and hard tissue regeneration in small-breed dogs with stage 2–3 periodontitis. PRP therapy represents a safe, minimally invasive, and effective regenerative approach for improving periodontal health in routine veterinary dentistry.
