We're pioneering the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in veterinary medicine, a modality traditionally reserved for humans. Dr. Nations, a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience, has spearheaded this innovative treatment for pets, enhancing their health and longevity. Dr. Nations introduced this modality to VHA out of a drive to bring more healing to pets from Winter Haven and surrounding areas, and we look forward to expanding its usage so more dogs and cats can benefit.
HBOT is a non-invasive, gentle, and safe treatment with rare complications, making it an ideal therapy for both acute and chronic conditions.
To learn more about this amazing therapy and how it can help your pet, call us at (863) 324-3340 or HBOT@vhavets.com.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT is a safe, drug-free treatment that delivers pure, 100% oxygen to patients at a higher pressure within one of our hyperbaric chambers. This increased pressure makes it possible for patients to absorb about 15 times the normal amount of oxygen, which is needed to help repair cells, tissues, and organs. Furthermore, HBOT allows oxygen to diffuse 3 to 4 times deeper into the tissues to treat swelling and inflammation.
How Does It Work?
Inside one of our hyperbaric chambers, the oxygen level is at 100%—that’s 5 times the normal concentration of oxygen your pet would normally breathe. With the increased pressure the chamber provides, we can ensure that hypoxic (low in oxygen) tissues are getting a much-needed oxygen supply.
This results in enhanced oxygen delivery throughout the body, even in areas with poor blood flow. The increased oxygen accelerates healing by reducing swelling, effectively fighting infections, improving brain function, and minimizing damage after injuries. When combined with other treatments, HBOT may also slow the growth and division of cancer cells and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
What Happens During Treatment?
HBOT triggers a cascade of beneficial events in the body, activating specific healing pathways and suppressing inflammatory responses. This process promotes tissue repair and enhances overall physiological resilience.
Some such events include:
- Increasing stem cell production
- Turning off inflammatory markers
- Increasing circulation
- Enhancing the ability of white blood cells to combat infection
How Long Does Treatment Take?
On average, pets can expect 5-10 HBOT treatments, but severe cases may need 60-80 treatments. Each individual treatment involves spending about 60 minutes in one of our hyperbaric chambers. Each patient is kept comfortable in the chamber with soft bedding, and is monitored throughout. Some pets will even nap during their treatment.
You can learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by calling our hospital at (863) 324-3340, emailing HBOT@vhavets.com, or paying us a visit! We look forward to improving more lives with this innovative treatment.
How to Refer a Patient
Are you a general practice veterinarian looking to refer a patient to us for HBOT? Just follow these simple steps: