Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment useful in a variety of clinical situations.
After the patient is placed safely and comfortably in a large, clear chamber, 100% oxygen flows in under pressures 1.5 to 3 times that of normal atmospheric pressure. A typical treatment session lasts one hour and most of our patients will receive 2 treatments per day. During HBOT sessions, most patients require no sedation and appear calm and relaxed. All our pet patients have an attendant sitting with them for the duration of their treatments. The total number of HBOT treatments necessary will vary according to the type of disease being treated and individual patient response.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
During HBOT treatment, large amounts of oxygen are forced into the plasma with the increased atmospheric pressure. This oxygen can diffuse 4 times deeper into the tissue than oxygen carried by red blood cells alone. During a treatment, this high concentration of oxygen in the plasma carries oxygen to deep tissue cells, up-regulating (turning on) the body’s natural healing cascade. This greatly benefits tissues whose normal circulation (blood supply) has been disrupted by trauma or surgery.
The Beneficial Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The goal of HBOT is to produce the following results:
- Decreased swelling and inflammation
- Stimulation of new blood vessel formation
- Decreased pressure and edema associated with brain and spinal cord injury (IVDD)
- Improved infection control--especially helpful for osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Stem cell multiplication and recruitment to damaged tissues
Conditions that May Benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Below are just some of the conditions that may be improved with HBOT:
- Problem wounds: Wounds over joints, large non-healing wounds, infected wounds, and profound crushing wounds that have altered normal blood circulation
- Osteomyelitis: Infected bones
- Neurologic injuries: This includes injuries such as central nervous system vascular accidents, and intervertebral disc disease
- Osteoarthritis: Animals that cannot take NSAIDs or those cases in which traditional modalities are not producing results (treatment provided in conjunction with our Artemis Laser)
- Delayed fracture healing: Treatment provided in conjunction with our Artemis Laser
- Non-Responsive Lyme Disease (including Lyme Nephritis)
- Severe pancreatitis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Snake bites
- Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning
- Near drowning and suffocation
- Severe anemias, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cause any Side Effects?
There are very few contraindications or negative side effects associated with HBOT treatment. It is extremely safe, and your pet will be monitored carefully throughout their treatment. If you have any questions about HBOT and whether your pet would be a good candidate for treatment, get in touch with us by calling (914) 737-2437.