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