Comparing leukocyte- and thrombocyte-rich fibrin and autologous grafts for the treatment of experimentally induced wounds in the tarsometatarsus of chickens.

Abstract

Background: Managing open wounds in birds is challenging. This study compared leukocyte- and thrombocyte-rich fibrin (L-TRF) and autologous grafts for treating wounds in the tarsometatarsus of chickens.

Methods: Full-thickness wounds were experimentally induced in the tarsometatarsus of 23 healthy adult chickens. The wounds were then treated with either a bandage dressing (G1, n = 7), an L-TRF membrane (G2, n = 8) or an autologous skin graft (G3, n = 8). Wounds were assessed on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. In G2, L-TRF membranes were reapplied at each time point.

Results: By day 28, 71.4% of wounds in G1 remained unhealed, while 87.5% in G2 were fully healed. Wound reduction was significantly greater in G2 than G1 at all times, especially on days 14 and 21. No difference in wound area was observed on day 7, but wounds in G2 were smaller than in G1 on days 14, 21 and 28. By day 28, 75% of G3 grafts survived, while 25% showed necrosis. Histology showed higher angiogenesis and collagen production in G2 than G3, with more inflammation in G3. Re-epithelialisation was higher in G2 than in G1.

Limitations: Wound healing in the tarsometatarsus resulted in tissue differing from the original, regardless of the treatment applied.

Conclusions: The L-TRF membrane was the most effective treatment for skin wounds induced in the tarsometatarsus of chickens, outperforming autologous skin grafts.