




Though the clinical application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in human medicine has been practiced for many years, it is somewhat new in veterinary medicine. Not many hospitals or veterinary clinics facilitate HBOT due to inadequate command of the technique. Nonetheless, the therapy has exhibited excellent results in controlling infections and speeding up recovery. It is well tolerated by most animals, including canines, felines, equines, rodents and others.
HBOT is often used as the primary treatment or as a supportive cure for non-healing wounds and infectious diseases by boosting the antimicrobial effects of the body’s natural immunity. Lyme, osteomyelitis, septicemia, intracranial abscess, abdominal abscess, necrotizing fasciitis, blastomycosis, endotoxemia, and septic arthritis can be effectively managed and cured through HBOT.
HBOT for infectious disease in animals is highly recommended for chronic inflammations of soft tissues and bones as it displays a pivotal role in reducing tissue damage and preventing its considerable spread. Thus, it is evident that HBOT has anti-inflammatory properties.
In this blog, we will delve deeper into the topic of discussion while understanding the mechanism and effectiveness of HBOT in treating infections. We assure you will be happy to learn that your pet can lead a healthier and happier life!
HBOT is a short-term treatment aiding faster recovery of non-healing infections, including skin conditions, inflammations, respiratory distress, open wounds, brain and spine trauma, post-operative trauma, and injuries. When infections spread, it evokes life-threatening circumstances. Chronic illness, tissue damage, and organ failure are the prevalent health complications arising from uncontrolled infection advancements.
So, how does HBOT work? As we know, oxygen is the core of sustenance for living beings. However, under normal atmospheric pressure, human beings and animals cannot breathe 100% oxygen. It means the concentration of oxygen is reduced in blood, which is circulated throughout the body. In such cases, it cuts the supply of oxygen-rich blood to affected tissues, especially when patients have ruptured blood vessels. It significantly affects the healing of infections in the animal body, sometimes leading to tissue death and organ failure.
But, in hyperbaric oxygen therapy for animals, patients are exposed to 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber for a certain period. The HBOT capsule is a large chamber where animals are placed safely. It has enough room to stand, sit, or lie. Depending on the type and condition of the infection, 1.4 to 3 ATA (atmospheric absolute) higher air pressure is released. As a result, animals can breathe 100% oxygen. It increases oxygen concentration in the blood. Saturated oxygen in the blood can now reach the affected areas in the animal body. Hence, it restores tissue repair through new blood vessel generation.
A potential benefit of HBOT is that it eliminates the need for invasive techniques to cure wounds, injuries, or trauma. Animals can undergo a painless procedure to treat infectious diseases, promoting a better-quality life. It is noted that abundant oxygen releases respiratory distress, calming and soothing the mind.
As we said, HBOT can successfully treat canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRDC). It is commonly called kennel cough. CIRDC is a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract in a dog. Though symptoms may be often self-limiting, there may be an uncontrolled outbreak when it spreads rapidly among dogs. In CIRDC, the trachea and bronchia become inflamed, causing cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Thankfully, HBOT can promote swift recovery through antimicrobial effects and boosting the immune system! As reported, hyperbaric oxygen therapy regulates tissue inflammations and stimulates cytokines. Inflammations in tissue cause hypoxia or low oxygen concentration. It weakens the immune system, delaying recovery. Hence, the infection aggravates.
However, with a significant increase in the oxygen level of the tissues, the bacteria-killing capacity of neutrophils (white blood cells) increases too. Let’s tell you that microbes cannot survive in an oxygen-toxic environment. They are anaerobic microorganisms that get increased resistance in depleted oxygen levels. Thus, as the neutrophils become more active and microorganisms become weak, it develops a favorable condition to kill these germs.
Not just respiratory diseases but other infections of soft tissues and bones, like Lyme disease, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, intracranial abscess, necrotizing infections, abdominal abscess, etc. It has exhibited remarkable recovery in animals as they developed improved immunity, healthier skin and fur, boosted energy, and happier living.
In the current scenario, a large number of pathogens have developed resistance to antibiotics. It has considerably affected the proper management of diverse infectious diseases. HBOT has brought a revolutionary transformation in the veterinary as it has eased the treatment of various non-healing infections that have compromised the well-being of vets. With further advancements in technology, we hope HBOT explore other possible scopes of treating complicated illnesses and enhancing the lives of animals.
Hyperbaric Chambers International Ltd
HCI is a trading name of
Hyperbaric Chambers International Ltd
Registered in England, Co. Number: 16298479
Registered office address: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ