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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment method in which the patient is supplied with pure oxygen under increased pressure. This therapy has been used for decades in human medicine to treat various conditions, such as wound healing disorders, carbon monoxide poisoning or diving accidents. But did you know that HBOT can also be used on dogs?

What are the benefits of HBOT for dogs?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has several positive effects on dogs' bodies. Firstly, it increases the oxygen supply to the tissue, which promotes the healing of injuries or inflammation. Secondly, it reduces swelling and pain by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators. HBOT can also strengthen the immune system, improve blood circulation and inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi.

What conditions can HBOT help with?

HBOT can be used for a variety of conditions that are associated with a reduced oxygen supply or increased inflammation. These include, for example

  • Traumatic injuries such as bite wounds, bruises or broken bones
  • Infections such as abscesses, pyoderma or otitis
  • Neurological disorders such as strokes, cerebral edema or spinal cord injuries
  • Poisoning such as paracetamol, xylitol or chocolate
  • Burns or frostbite
  • Chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes or renal insufficiency

How does an HBOT session work?

An HBOT session takes place in a special pressurized chamber filled with pure oxygen. The dog is brought into the chamber in a cage or stretcher and monitored with a monitor. The chamber is then slowly pressurized to a certain pressure, which varies depending on the disease. The dog breathes in the oxygen through a mask or hood. The session usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes and is repeated several times as required.

Are there any risks or side effects of HBOT?

HBOT is a safe and well-tolerated therapy for dogs when performed by qualified personnel. The most common side effects are temporary ear pain or inflammation caused by the change in pressure. These can be avoided by gently massaging the ears before and after the session. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as pulmonary hypertension, oxygen toxicity or seizures. These can be minimized by careful selection of patients, appropriate dosing of oxygen and constant monitoring.

Where can I find HBOT for my dog?

HBOT is not yet very common in veterinary medicine, but there are some veterinary clinics or centers that offer this therapy. You can check with your vet to see if they can recommend such a facility. The cost of an HBOT session varies depending on the provider and the condition, but is usually between 100 and 300 euros.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an innovative and promising treatment method for dogs with various diseases. It can accelerate healing, alleviate pain and improve quality of life.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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