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
Necrotizing pancreatitis
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. |
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Summer: 11 yr
F/S Shepherd mix
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Day 1:
Summer presented to referring VM acutely ill - unable
to rise. Abnor-malities on physical exam included mildly
hyperemic mucous mem-branes, ext. 8% dehy-dration,
fever of 105.5° F, ataxia, and weakness. A CBC/chemistry/
electrolyte panel revealed mild azotemia, increased
amylase-4014 (normal range 0-1500), and increased
lipase->6000 (200-1800). All other values were within
normal range. Summer was placed NPO and treatment
began for pancreatitis. Treatment included IV fluids
at 2x maintenance, IV cefazolin, SC Metacam, and
IV famotidine.
Day 2:
Summer's condition worsened with vomit-ing and
diarrhea, and her fever persisted. Repeat CBC/
chemistry/
electrolyte panel re-vealed likely DIG- mild anemia and
severe thrombocytopenia with a confirmed platelet count
9,000 (200,000-900,000). Treatment was continued for
pancreatitis, and IM Banamine added. Owner was given
a poor prognosis.
Day 3: Hyperbarics Begin
Summer's condition worsened with dysp-nea and severed
generalized pain, pitting edema in her face and limbs, and
her vomiting and diarrhea continued. IV butorphanol and
IM enrofl oxacin were added to her previous treatments.
Repeat bloodwork was mildly improved with de-creasing
amylase-2286 and lipase- 3944, and an increased, but still
low platelet count- 79,200. An abdominal ultrasound was
per-formed which revealed a diffusely enlarged pancreas
with evidence of ne-crosis, small intestinal ileus, cholestasis,
cholycystitis, and peritonitis with mesen-teric lymphadenopathy.
A decision was made to refer Summer for
hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Summer received her
treatment late afternoon and was returned to RDVM for
continued treatment. The HBOT treat-ment consisted of 20
minutes at 10 psi, followed by 25 minutes at 14.7 psi. (continued..) |
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