Physiologic mechanisms of HBOT & few indications explained

Hyperoxygenation

·       Decrease gas bubble size

·       Vasoconstriction

·       Angiogenesis

·       Fibroblast proliferation / Collagen Synthesis

·       Leukocyte oxidative killing

·       Reduces intravascular leukocyte adherence

·       Reduces lipid peroxidation

·       Toxin inhibition

·       Antibiotic synergy

·       Own stem cell multiplication

·       Decreased oxidative injury to cells

·       Reduced inflammation.

·       Immune-stimulating effects .

HBOT aids healing in the following ways:

·       Increasing oxygen to the body stimulates growth of new blood vessels in bone or soft tissue, thus allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the affected area after treatment.

·     Swelling and inflammation are decreased, allowing blood (and therefore oxygen) to flow more freely to the area.

·         High oxygen levels increase the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria in infected tissues.

·        Anaerobic bacteria are killed directly by the high level of oxygen reaching infected tissues, even if normal circulation has been affected.

Much of the basic research showing these effects has been conducted in animal models of human disease, and veterinary professionals are now able to use this information for equine patients.

What types of injuries and ailments can be treated?

Breeding: HBOT helps the uterus return to normal size and shape following foaling, and dummy foals improve with increased blood flow to the brain. The therapy has also been reported to increase libido in aging stallions.

Anemia or blood loss: For horses that are anemic and those that have lost a large volume of blood because of injury or surgery, HBOT allows the remaining blood to carry a larger amount of oxygen, sustaining body functions while more blood is being produced.

Bone infection: HBOT increases the oxygen concentration in all body tissues including bone and bone marrow. Bone infections that have not responded to traditional antibiotic therapy often clear up after treatment in the hyperbaric chamber. Joint infections in foals also respond well to this therapy.

Wounds in skin and muscle tissue: Improved oxygen delivery and stimulation of capillary formation assist in healing, especially in skin grafts, amputations, ulcerated wounds, and injuries where tissues have been crushed and circulation has been destroyed or impaired.

Laminitis: By enhancing oxygen delivery and minimizing inflammation and swelling, HBOT can dramatically minimize the destruction of tissue structures within the hoof.

Post-surgical equine patients: Horses recovering from colic surgery and other procedures benefit from HBOT to oxygenate damaged tissues, restore blood flow, and reduce swelling.

Connective tissue injuries: Torn ligament and bowed tendons heal more quickly when HBOT is included in treatment.

The goal is to use HBOT to shorten the recovery time for injuries and illnesses. The final results desired include improved survival rates for serious conditions, faster healing, less time spent in the hospital, and a healthier horse overall.

How do horses respond to being treated?

Protocol is different for each horse, and many conditions are treated with HBOT sessions of 30 to 90 minutes per day over a period of several days. Operators monitor their equine patients with audio and video equipment. Most horses show no reluctance to enter or remain in the chamber, with some even going to sleep during treatment. Human patients report a feeling of mild elation and wellbeing after HBOT, and there is no reason to think that horses respond any differently to the experience.

Horses are fitted with a comfortable facial mask which allows pure oxygen to flow freely throughout the body. This special type of hyperbaric treatment is designed to be low stress, and typically takes about an hour to complete.

Treatment time:

The number of treatments required, maximal pressure and time in the chamber depends upon the condition being treated and the general health of the patient. The specific Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment schedule varies with each horse and the disease being treated. Similar to antimicrobial therapy, hyperbaric oxygen is administered daily for a series of treatments. Usually the duration of treatment is 60 minutes per session.

Preparation of Your Horse Prior to Treatment:

Horse’s safety must be the primary concern. It should be ensured that the horse is clean and free from any of the following:

·       Fly Spray

·       Baby Oil

·       Oil-based grooming products (Show Sheen)

·       Poultice or liniments of any kind

·       Alcohol or alcohol-based substances

·       Hoof oil

·       Iodine

·       Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)

·       Pain patches

·       Electrical or battery-operated products

     Prior to treatment, the following will be removed

·       Leather products (boots, halters, neck straps)

·       Nylon or synthetic products (bandages, blankets, halters, etc.)

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