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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What does Hyperbaric mean? Technically this term refers to the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT Gives Your Pet More HealthCare Options

What does Hyperbaric mean? Technically this term refers to the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure.

In the medical community, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is talked about in terms of atmospheres absolute (ATA). Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 psi and that is equal to 1 ATA. It takes an increase in pressure to 2 ATA (like a scuba diver at 33 feet underwater) to more quickly and more effectively treat conditions in the body and it is through Hyperbaric Therapy that we are able to do this.

The benefit? The hyperbaric chamber allows veterinarians to improve the amount of dissolved oxygen in the plasma over what naturally occurs in the body and better treat injury and chronic illness.

Puppy and kitten being held by doctor on table

Why Use HBOT?

Oxygen is essential for cells to live, function, and repair themselves. It is needed for the production of the cells that create new bone and new tissues. Increasing levels of oxygen in the body enhance the body’s capability of performing these functions. Also, with HBOT, tissues that are lacking oxygen due to poor or blocked blood flow, due to a variety of causes, can get the benefits of oxygen.

It is proven that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy stimulates stem cell production up to eight times, which contributes greatly to the healing process. Exciting work is now underway in treating particularly difficult and challenging veterinary cases. Talk to the veterinarians or specialists about how HBOT can be used to help your pet return to wellness faster.

Conditions Treated with HBOT

Neurology

  • Head Trauma

  • Nerve Injuries

  • Stroke

  • Cerebral Swelling

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Ulcers

Internal Medicine

  • Infection

  • Gangrene

  • Osteomyelitis

  • Radiation Injury

  • Tissue Damage

  • Animal Bite Infection

  • Bone Infection

  • Pancreatitis

Surgery

  • Non-Healing Wounds

  • Skin Grafts

  • Post-Op Swelling

  • Arthritic Disease

  • Fractures/Trauma

  • Amputations

  • Wound Healing

Emergency Medicine

  • Crush Injuries

  • Soft Tissue Infections

  • Burns

  • Smoke Inhalation

  • Sepsis

  • Exceptional Blood Loss

  • Snake Bite

  • Cell

Staff member examining cat's teeth

How is HBOT Administered?

  1. Pet patients are placed into a comfortable chamber specially designed for animal patients.

  2. In the chamber, they receive 100% oxygen that is inhaled safely and painlessly at a pressure that is equivalent to 33 feet underwater (2 ATA).

  3. The healing oxygen is dissolved in the pet’s blood plasma, cerebrospinal and lymph fluids, enabling oxygen to reach damaged tissue three to four times farther than normally managed through red blood cells.

  4. Most patients are calm and relaxed during treatment and do not require sedation.

  5. Your pet is monitored during treatments, which usually last about one hour.

Can you bring your pet’s pillow or other comforting items? If so, what type of item is acceptable?

A blanket or pillow that is 100% cotton may accompany your pet into the chamber. Nothing is permitted that could generate a spark (no Velcro)!