How HBOT is performed ?

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments the equine patient is placed in a large metal chamber that is then pressurized up to two or sometimes three times the normal atmospheric pressure. The air is replaced with high concentrations of pure oxygen, and the patient remains in this environment for an hour or more before the chamber operator depressurizes the unit.

Most equine patients appear calm and relaxed during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Equines can return immediately to normal activities.

During this time, oxygen is absorbed by the blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord, and in lymph and other body fluids delivering more healing oxygen to tissues for cell repair and metabolism.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment has three phases:

Compression:

Once the patient is situated comfortably inside, the chamber door is sealed and pressurization begins.  At any time compression can be slowed or stopped.  Compression typically takes about 15 minutes, but can be tailored to each individual patient.

Treatment: 

Once at depth, the patient is put on pure oxygen.  The chamber will be continuously ventilated to ensure the climate in the chamber is comfortable.  Treatment typically takes 90 minutes, but may vary depending on the prescription. 

Decompression:  

Once the time at the treatment depth is completed, depressurization begins.  Oxygen is slowly exhausted out of the chamber; decreasing the pressure and bringing the patient back to the surface.  Decompression typically takes 15 minutes.

The total treatment time lasts from a period of 60 - 90 minutes and pressures desired by the physician depending on the clinical indication.

Modern day equine hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers:

“Safety first and treatment next” is the philosophy adopted in building equine hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers in the present day scenario.

Just like treating humans in a multiplace chambers, which is the most safest method, the same technology is adopted in equine chambers.  Modern equine chambers are pressurized with medical grade air and equines are made to breath pure oxygen via demand masks. In this way, high volumes of oxygen is being avoided into the chamber and is explosion safe yet effective as in human chambers. The risks are  completely minimized rassociated with the technology.

Different types of equine hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers: 

1) Fixed single equine chamber:

These types of chambers are permanently installed in a suitable building.

2) Fixed dual equine chambers:

These types of chambers are permanently installed in a suitable building but can treat two horses at the same time.

3) Mobile equine chambers.

These chambers are typically installed in large trailers.