How it works:
Adequate tissue perfusion and sufficient oxygen supply
are two basic requirements for the body’s healing responses. Without these the tissues
enter a hypoxic state.
Hypoxia impairs many healing processes – bacterial killing,
collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and epithelialization. Hypoxia slows wound healing
and favors bacterial growth.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) accelerates normal
healing mechanisms. The
increased concentration of oxygen dissolved in plasma reaches
tissues with poor or compromised vascular supply (increased
diffusion distance).
Tissue oxygenation is also improved as the resultant
vasoconstriction decreases edema (decreased intercapillary
distance). HBOT
stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells
for at least three days post-treatment. Oxygen is delivered to the
tissues at levels that actually inhibit bacterial growth. Tissue oxygen tension has
been shown to be the most important local factor affecting oxidative
leucocyte killing.
HBOT potentiates the activity of many antibiotics and
increases their tissue penetration. HBOT decreases the growth
and viability or many microorganisms while enhancing antibiotic
effectiveness and the patient’s immune
response.
Indications:
The postoperative patient benefits greatly from HBOT. Immediate results include
the reduction of tissue swelling and inflammation - and the decrease
in pain associated with these processes. Some examples of surgical
procedures that benefit particularly from HBOT
include:
-Gastric dilation and volvulus, and the associated
reperfusion injuries
-Fracture repair, especially open fractures or those
involving malunion or nonunion
-Amputations
-Gastrointestinal resection and anastamosis,
especially post-foreign body
obstruction
-Skin grafts
-Hemilaminectomy
-Ear canal ablation
Early HBOT greatly improves the prognosis for many
acute conditions and decreases the likelihood of their becoming
chronic problems. Some
examples of these conditions include:
-Wounds - especially degloving, necrotic, and
non-healing wounds
-Osteomyelitis
-Neuropathies - including nonsurgical intervertebral
disc disease and limb paralysis/paresis
-Burns and smoke
inhalation
-Crush injuries
-Head and spinal cord
trauma
-Peritonitis
-Otitis - especially involving Pseudomonas as HBOT
breaks down the organism’s defenses and greatly increases drug
penetration
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an important tool in
companion animal medicine.
From the canine athlete to the family pet, the possibilities
for this treatment modality are endless.
Veterinary
Hyperbaric Medicine Society Website
Equine
Hyperbarics Website
