Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefits both experimentally and clinically in human disease associated with vascular compromise and reduced host defenses. Potential benefits include the stimulation of leucocyte and macrophage function, increased oxygen availability for cellular function, stimulation of wound healing, and direct antibacterial effects. Similar applications may exist in veterinary medicine. This study documents 14 consecutive animals treated with hyperbaric oxygen, as an adjunct to standard therapy, for degloving injuries and/or skin grafts (n = 6), severe trauma (n = 3), compromised wound healing (n = 3), osteomyelitis (n = 1), and for anaerobic infection (n = 1). Subjectively, recovery was improved in these animals. If available, hyperbaric oxygen therapy deserves consideration as an adjunct to standard therapy for certain disorders.
The potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are discussed in the light of a study of 14 cases.
Keywords
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy - small animal surgery