Tag: How Hyperbarics is Saving Pets

Hyperbaric chamber treatment has proven itself useful as a treatment used in helping ailing pets recover from both illness and injury. Hyperbaric chambers were initially used in human medicine, in the treatment of divers with decompression sickness (“the bends”), burns and trauma. However, they are now being used more and more as a treatment for pets and other animals. The treatment has been applied for a wide range of ailments, from injuries received through car accidents to rattlesnake bites, thermal burns and septic peritonitis. It is used for pets of different sizes, from small animals such as rabbits and ferrets to cats and dogs.

Interested in offering hyperbaric oxygen treatment at your veterinarian clinic?
Call: 850-510-2781

A veterinary hyperbaric chamber for sale provides an environment that uses pure oxygen and high pressure, which helps to promote healing. A higher concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream delivers more oxygen to damaged tissues, improving the wound’s ability to heal. Although hyperbaric chambers have been used in human medicine for many years, it is only in the last few years that more research has been specifically conducted on its use in pets. However, one thing to note is that much of the research previously conducted to investigate the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on humans was carried out using small mammals such as rats and rabbits.

Veterinarians in the US have been making use of hyperbaric chambers for a number of years and, in 2016, Fitzpatrick Referrals (which was featured on TV show The Supervet) became the first veterinary clinic in the UK to begin using a hyperbaric chamber. Recent studies have been testing both the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for pets and the safety of it, including any side effects that it might produce.

Sechrist offers a selection of case studies that demonstrate some of the possible uses of hyperbaric veterinary medicine for pets.

Some of the ways that the treatment has been used include but are not limited to:

• Feline Polyradiculoneuritis
• Vasculitis
• Canine Pancreatitis
• Intramuscular Chemotherapy
• Septic Peritonitis
• Severe Degloving Wounds
• Tooth Root Abscess
• Acute Necrotizing Dermatitis
• Delayed Wound Healing
• Severe Tissue Trauma
• Sciatic Nerve Lesion
• Traumatic Sacral-Coccygeal
• Adjunctive HBOT For Ischemia

Hyperbaric treatment in humans has been in use for years and is regularly covered by insurance companies, who are reluctant to pay for anything that might be unproven. Uses in human medicine have included crush injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as a variety of other injuries and ailments.

Pet owners are also increasingly requesting hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for their pets. Many pet owners are dedicated when it comes to finding the best treatment for their beloved pets, and will carry out their own independent research. Even if hyperbaric chamber treatment isn’t suggested to them, they may read about it themselves and request treatment or a referral if they think that it could be an option for their pet. Pet owners are more informed than ever about treatment options for their pets, thanks to the internet, veterinary TV shows, and other media that helps them to independently learn about new treatments.

Sechrist has pet oxygen chambers for sale that offer a choice of sizes. The two chamber sizes we currently sell are, the SV250 and SV500, which are suitable for smaller and larger animals respectively, with the possibility of treating multiple patients simultaneously. We began as experts in human hyperbaric chambers more than 40 years ago and have taken our expertise into the veterinary space. Our industry experience has allowed us to design safe, easy to use equipment and to provide maintenance and servicing from our trained technicians. Our products are engineered to meet the needs of veterinarians and their patients and are used in clinical settings in more than 120 countries.

Many veterinary clinics explore their options for financing a hyperbaric chamber. Rather than buy them outright, they often finance the purchase by giving a cut of the cost of each treatment to the company that sells the chamber to them. This helps to make it more affordable and ensures the chamber is beneficial to the veterinary clinic and its patients and clients.

One of the most important things for veterinarians just starting out in hyperbarics is receiving the correct chamber training for themselves and their team. This is something that Sechrist can help with by offering a choice of training options. Sechrist provides online education that covers the fundamentals of veterinary hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is provided before the installation of a new chamber. After installation, a half-day of in-service equipment training takes place, followed by a two-day hands-on training program to teach the safe operation of the chamber and key competencies. We also have on-site training in the application of HBOT, training in hyperbaric medicine in San Antonio, Texas, and multiple phase on-site training in hyperbaric medicine safety.

Safety is essential to consider when operating a hyperbaric chamber, which is why training in both safety and usage is necessary. Accidents are possible if the correct care isn’t taken when using the chamber, which could lead to injuries to both pets and veterinary staff. Some experts believe that veterinarian hyperbaric treatment should be a last resort for pets, but others disagree. While it can be a useful treatment when there is no other alternative and other avenues have been exhausted, it isn’t necessarily essential to try all other possible treatments first. Veterinarians can offer hyperbaric medicine for pets as a treatment when they predict that healing might be difficult.

There are many benefits of injury recovery with hyperbarics for pets. You can view our case studies to find out about how our chambers have been used to treat pets with a variety of ailments, including the story of Alex the Golden Retriever and how HBOT for pets helped to treat acute paresis in his pelvic limbs. The use of hyperbaric chamber treatment is helping pets of all shapes and sizes, offering a treatment option to address a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Our hyperbaric chambers are helping veterinarians to offer their patients another treatment option and stay up to date with advancements in veterinary medicine.

Dogs and cats are a big part of the family in many homes. When they get sick or hurt, we want to do everything we can to get them healthy again. One of the best ways to do this, is to get oxygenated blood to the affected area as quickly as possible. How is this done? By a proven method called Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. Click here for veterinary hyperbaric chambers for sale.

It begins in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber where pure oxygen is pumped in at the right temperature while exceeding standard atmospheric pressure. This boosts the oxygen molecules the blood carries, helping to fight infections and heal wounds by restoring their blood gases to normal levels.

Veterinarians and clinical staff are trained to ensure your pet is comfortable and closely monitored during their therapy. Each animal can be watched closely to make sure they are comfortable during their time spent in the chamber. The chamber is constructed with state-of-the-art acrylic material which allows the animal to see out and the veterinarian and staff to see in. What are some of the added benefits of this therapy?

What Is Oxygen Therapy For Pets?

A high oxygen environment is five times higher than the normal 20% oxygen limit that moves within the blood. This pressure delivers a higher concentration of oxygen which promotes healing much faster.

What Are The Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Pets?

It’s Relaxing
Many medical procedures for animals can be frightening, but hyperbaric chambers for pets allows them to relax in which they can heal in a calm environment. They won’t feel caged because they can see through the top and sides of the acrylic chamber.

They Promote Faster Healing
Hyperbaric pet oxygen chambers speedup the healing process. The amount of oxygen that runs through the body of the animal is increased, which helps to deliver nutrients that are vital to cell reparation. Extra oxygen can help stem cells that improve the healing process, to move faster.

Rapid Carbon Monoxide Removal
Did you know animals can suffer carbon monoxide poisoning in the same way a human can? It’s essential to quickly unbind the CO molecule from red blood cells when carbon monoxide poisoning occurs. This improves rapidly in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

Why Are Cat Oxygen Chambers So Powerful?

Two explanations for the effectiveness of cat oxygen chambers are as follows:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects
A high oxygen environment can upregulate the genes that help fight inflammation, while at the same time down-regulating those that create it in the first place. With less inflammation, there is less swelling.

Increased Blood Flow
Affected tissue needs to heal, and this is accomplished with the right oxygenation in the blood. When there is evidence of increased blood flow to the tissue, the wound heals faster. All of this works to prevent the blood flow being cut off, and particles can diffuse easier to the affected tissue.

What Are The Product Options For Me?

Sechrist Proprietary Air Compressor System And CGA Grade E Breathing Air Panel
This is a chamber with an optional air compressor system, that comes with a storage tank and dial oil-free compressors. It can deliver air continuously to support the ICU chamber which most competitors do not offer. This can be paired with the CGA breathing panel Grade E, which is wall mounted to allow the user the delivery of filtered breathing air to be controlled. Some of the features include:

• Space saving compact design
• Filter parts that can be replaced easily
• Precise Air and O2 delivery through the chamber
• Digital carbon monoxide monitor

Model SV250 Sechrist Hyperbaric Veterinary Chamber With ICU Chamber Functionality

Class C Chamber engineered explicitly for the needs of your patients; this is an HBOT for pets that provides dual use as both a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and an ICU chamber. This has been designed and manufactured in California by our company with over 45 years of experience. Some of the features include:

• Class C chamber which has been engineered to the needs of veterinarians and their patients.
• Dual mode delivers oxygen therapy and enhanced oxygen at the right pressure
• Removable stretcher with a static dissipative mat
• 40″ and 20″ patient modules can be inserted into the chamber for loading more than one patient at a time.
• Convenient intercom system to communicate and calm patients
• Acrylic cylinder for easy access viewing to calm the animal.
• One-handed door interlock device

Both of these products come highly recommended to veterinarians, and if you are serious about offering hyperbaric treatment for pets, then you need to ensure that you have the best options for your veterinary clinic. If you have the opportunity to provide better, more affordable care for your patients and their owners, then you should take that chance where you can. Not only will an HBOT for pets improve your reputation for your district, but you’ll also be offering the animals the best possible chance at survival.
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We understand that new technology can be exciting, but also overwhelming; especially when used in veterinary surgery. However, we also know that the latest technologies can make a massive difference to a veterinary clinic.. One of the most significant medical breakthroughs for animals in recent years has been HBOT for pets. With very little risk involved, Veterinarians can offer hyperbaric medicine to pets whose owners find treatment to be expensive or traumatic.

Interested in offering hyperbaric oxygen treatment at your veterinarian clinic?
Call: 850-510-2781

What Are The Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Pets?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT, has quite a few benefits. Including enhanced wound healing and providing significant improvements to infection control. It also helps the number of growing medical issues to remain low at all times. Some of the benefits include:

Increases & Improves The Supply Of Oxygen To Infected Tissue

Increasing the supply of oxygen in the bloodstream improves upon a wounds ability to heal. With the right chamber pressurization,, an animal receives an increased amount of oxygen to a wounds surrounding tissue. treating the wound quicker.

Treats Many Conditions

One of the great things about a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is its ability to treat a wide variety of conditions; it’s ability to heal goes far beyond wounds. The increase of oxygen also helps treat peripheral neuropathies, pancreatitis, snake bites, and other inflammatory diseases.

An Affordable Option

Veterinarian hyperbaric treatment can be quick and painless for pets, but the biggest surprise is it’s affordability. . Compared to conventional medicinal approaches, HBOT is inexpensive and straightforward. Pets are covered with a blanket and placed in a pressurized container,with no more cost than that of laser treatments or acupuncture.

What Is Oxygen Therapy For Pets?

Oxygen therapy for pets involves keeping an animal in a pressurized environment with increased oxygen levels. When the animal is placed in the veterinary hyperbaric chamber, the atmospheric composition can easily be increased – normal oxygenation levels are around 20%, but the chamber is capable of reaching up to 100%. Even though HBOT is still being extensively researched, veterinarians are finding a variety of different uses for the chamber; including the treatment of ailments not thought to be treatable by HBOT. ..

Why Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy So Powerful?

For one; HBOT has an anti-inflammatory effect. Meaning a high oxygen environment upregulates the genes that fight inflammation and downregulates those that create it. When the inflammation decreases , there is less swelling and more healing.

Secondly, there has been evidence of increased blood flow to the affected tissue. When the blood is more oxygenated, the wounds heal faster. It also prevents the blood flow from being cut off, and with better oxygenation to the blood, particles can diffuse to affected tissues.

What Are My Options For Hyperbaric Animal Chambers?

There are several product options on the market today, and we want to help you make an informed decision about which one may be best for your veterinary practice.

Model SV500 Sechrist Hyperbaric Veterinary Chamber With ICU Chamber Functionality

This chamber has dual-use capability. It may be used as either a hyperbaric oxygen chamber or an ICU chamber. Some of its features include:

• Class C Chamber engineered to meet patient needs
• A unique dual mode is offering enhanced oxygen at ambient pressure while also delivering hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Spacious acrylic cylinder – easily view and calm patients
• Secure intercom system to communicate with patients
• Custom ports and pass-throughs for IV use and patient monitoring
• Door interlock device for one-handed use
• Electric scissor lift for easy patient loading.

Sechrist Proprietary Air Compressor System And CGA Grade E Breathing Air Panel

This is an optional system that comes with a storage tank and dial oil-free compressors. It continuously delivers air to support the ICU chamber, t which most competitors do not offer. Other features include:

• Compact design for space saving
• Filter elements that can be replaced easily
• Precise Air and O2 delivery through the chamber
• Digital carbon monoxide monitor

Model SV250 Sechrist Hyperbaric Veterinary Chamber With ICU Chamber Functionality

Although the SV250 is our smallest chamber available, it still provides dual use as both a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and an ICU chamber. Additional features include:

• Removable stretcher with a static dissipative mat
• 40″ and 20″ patient modules can be inserted into the chamber for putting more than one patient at a time.
• Convenient intercom system to communicate and calm patients
• Acrylic cylinder for easy access viewing to calm the animal.
• One-handed door interlock device

Each of these products has been built to the highest of standards, ensuring the safety of the patients it treats. Comparing different HBOT chambers can be overwhelming, but we want to make the process easier. By providing all the necessary information we hope we’re able to assist in helping you make a well informed decision on which chamber would best fit your practice. With HBOT you’ll be able to expand your practice’s treatment options offering pet owners a range of alternatives.

Contact Us Today

For more information on our products listed above – or others on the market – please visit our product page or contact one of our friendly team members. We can help you through the process of deciding which hyperbaric oxygen chamber is best for you.

Veterinarians are always on the lookout for novel therapies that can help the animals under their care recover from trauma and disease. One such innovation is the hyperbaric pet oxygen chamber, a device that has surprising efficacy in assisting animals in returning to health following injury, accidental ingestion of food, problems with the lungs and even skin ailments.

Interested in offering hyperbaric oxygen treatment at your veterinarian clinic?
Call: 850-510-2781

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established and scientifically proven therapy for dealing with a wide range of medical conditions. Historically, doctors have used it to treat patients with decompression sickness — a condition affecting divers who return to the surface too quickly. However, in recent years vets have discovered its usefulness in treating a range of conditions experienced by animals in their care.

The way hyperbaric medicine works is simple. The vet places the affected animal inside a chamber filled with oxygen. Special machinery then increases the pressure in the chamber to around three atmospheres – or three times the pressure at sea level. The animal then remains in the chamber for the duration of the treatment, usually around two hours.

The Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Pets

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT has assumed an ever-expanding role in modern medicine practices-for both humans and pets. In veterinary medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in primary and adjunctive care. It offers significant medical benefits through enhanced wound healing, improved infection control, and preservation of damaged tissues; plus several more. It also helps alleviate the growing number of complicated, expensive or otherwise hopeless medical problems.

It Improves The Supply Of Oxygen To Affected Tissues

It is important to note that the benefits of HBOT result from an oxygen-enriched bloodstream and not from the oxygen’s direct contact with the wound. The addition of oxygen into the blood increases the oxygen diffusion distance from the functioning capillaries in a hyperfocused wound to cause stimulation of growth resulting in wound healing. Using a pressurized oxygen chamber to treat an animal helps improve the flow of oxygen to different parts of a pet’s body and dramatically elevates the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues by the blood.

It Can Treat A Wide Range Of Conditions

Over recent years, the use of HBOT in clinical use has progressed causing it to be an advantageous form of medicine.
It offers a copious amount of advantages to veterinarians and their patients including a growing number of allowed treatable indications. Such as peripheral neuropathies, pancreatitis, inflammatory diseases, snake bites, and many more. For an extensive list of permitted indications, please visit our About HBOT page or click here: http://bit.ly/SiVetHealth

Pet Oxygen Chamber Treatments are Affordable

Not only is HBOT a rapid and effective treatment, but it is also remarkably affordable compared to many conventional procedures. In comparison to surgery or more complicated treatments, HBOT is inexpensive, easy and straightforward. Animals are merely placed in a pressurized container with a blanket and allowed to recover. For comparison, it is no more expensive than acupuncture or laser treatments.

It Is Relaxing For The Animals

Unlike many procedures, HBOT chambers provide pets with a relaxing and peaceful environment. Many of them enjoy the treatment. Also, Sechrist’s hyperbaric oxygen chambers are made with a clear acrylic cylinder and come with clear modules for easy monitoring. The clear acrylic of both the chamber and module aids in keeping an animal calm and collected by allowing them to see their surrounding environment and the technician seated outside the chamber.

It Can Speed Up The Healing Process

One way a pet oxygen chamber works is by speeding up the process of healing. The chamber completes this process by increasing the amount of oxygen running through the animal’s body to help deliver vital nutrients to cells. Cells then use the additional oxygen to go about their repair processes, ensuring that the animal heals quicker.. Extra oxygen encourages the release of growth factors and stem cells that make the healing process faster.

Should You Use HBOT For The Pets In Your Care?

Considering HBOT has a growing number of indications for clinical use and decreases the time it takes or an animal to heal, a veterinarian can increase the number of animals they treat. Making an HBOT chamber a very viable investment choice for one’s practice.

For many animal owners, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is far more preferable to other forms of treatment, such as surgery. Just like people, it can take pets many weeks, if not months, to recover after going under the knife. HBOT can potentially negate the need for surgery or could help surgical wounds heal quickly and naturally.

Many veterinarians today are considering HBOT for their clients due to the many benefits it provides to both pets and their owners. Plus SV500 hyperbaric animal chambers have a dual purpose ICU functionality that allows you to deliver both hyperbaric oxygen therapy and enhanced O2 oxygen therapy at ambient pressure. It is operator friendly with indicators and operational flexibility. Furthermore, the installation of HBOT systems is easy. A trained technician installs the chamber with the provided adapters and hoses while maximizing space by conveniently locating all connections in the back of the chamber.

Increased Pressure Leads To Anti-Inflammatory Gene Expression

Leading the list of HBOT benefits is the effect higher pressures have on the genome. When vets expose animal tissue to higher pressures, it induces changes in the epigenome, down regulating inflammatory genetic expression — resulting in a critical synergistic therapeutic method for reducing inflammation. This reduction in inflammation has implications for treating animals with both trauma and pathogen-caused disease.

Better Oxygen Delivery To Trauma Sites And Injuries

When trauma or crush injury occurs, there can be a reduction in blood flow and swelling to the area. By placing pets in an HBOT chamber breathing 100% oxygen, veterinarians can increase oxygen tension levels by 10 to 20 times that of normobaric oxygen breathing. This level increase in oxygen tension allows for faster and better healing of the animal.

Rapid Removal Of Carbon Monoxide From Blood Cells

Pets can suffer carbon monoxide poisoning just like people. When carbon monoxide poisoning happens, it’s vital to unbind the CO molecule from the red blood cells as fast as possible. Evidence suggests that HBOT may help this process by rapidly removing carbon monoxide molecules from hemoglobin and deliver dissolved oxygen via plasma.

Reduction In Toxin Formation By Gangrene Pathogens

Lastly, HBOT appears to inhibit the ability of the gangrene causing pathogen that prompts the release of deadly toxins. Pets, therefore, undergoing HBOT treatment may benefit from being placed in an oxygen chamber.

As chamber technology advances and HBOT treatments gain notoriety vets must expand their knowledge on potential indications. Staying up to date can help give animal patients the best possible care by providing access to the finest treatments on the market.

With the application of HBOT treatments in both clinical and adjunctive care, veterinary medicine is only going to improve further and develop.

Shouldn’t your practice be at the forefront of hyperbaric medicine?

Many dogs eat their food too fast, so it’s not surprising that food aspiration can be a potential problem for the average household pet. Aspiration is generally the result of materials such as food or gastrointestinal contents being inhaled into the animal’s lungs, causing the lungs to become inflamed or irritated. Breathing difficulties can result from this inhalation or irritation, causing an excessive amount of fluid and mucus to accumulate in the pet’s lower airway. This potentially life-threatening problem has led us to study the benefits of using HBOT for pets (or “hyperbaric oxygen therapy”) as a solution. HBOT has shown it can significantly improve the condition of animals who are suffering from food aspiration associated issues.

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How HBOT can help

While HBOT may often be automatically associated with humans, it’s important to bear in mind there are many potential applications for pets, including in the improvement of food aspiration symptoms. HBOT uses pure oxygen, maintaining an ambient temperature exceeding standard atmospheric pressure. Generally speaking, the air will rise up to three times that of normal air pressure boosting the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. This increase in blood oxygen level helps to fight infections, promotes healing and restores blood gases to normal levels.

How HBOT is implemented

While it is easier to encourage a human to inhale pure oxygen, it can be more challenging to do so with an animal. Therefore a clinics staff ensures their safety by making sure to follow certain precautions. Before any animal HBOT treatment takes place the animal is tested, ensuring a normal body temperature. Any increase can result in an excessive amount of oxygen which can prove to be toxic. Next, is the removing of any metal touching the animal and reducing the risk of static shock by placing them in the chamber wet. Once in a chamber, therapy begins, and the animal naturally breathes in purified and pressurized air from their surroundings.

A Practical Case of HBOT in the management of food aspiration associated issues

While HBOT for pets is a relatively new therapy, it has seen proven success as an adjunctive medicine. Take the following case study as an example. A 5-week-old female puppy was presented after it was discovered in respiratory arrest immediately after accidental ingestion of a large piece of dry dog food kibble. The owner cleared the oral cavity with her finger then performed chest compressions until the puppy began spontaneous respirations. The puppy was dyspneic, tachypneic, and cyanotic on presentation, and had increased pulmonary bronchovesicular sounds in all lung fields. Admitting radiographs revealed non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

The puppy was placed in the Sechrist SV500 HBOT Chamber, and Hyperbaric Assisted Oxygen resuscitation was initiated. The puppy was initially treated with one hour of HBOT at 2.0 ATA, then transitioned to 50% oxygen at sea level pressure (“free flow”). After a 4-hour period in free flow, the puppy was given another HBOT session at 2.0 ATA for one hour. The puppy’s respiratory rate and effort gradually normalized, and follow up thoracic radiographs revealed marked improvement in the pulmonary infiltrates.

Over the following 24 hours, the puppy was treated with two more HBOT sessions, and transitioned back to room air, 21%, free flow at sea level pressure.

Sechrist Veterinary chambers allow for the treatment of patients in both HBOT and free flow mode. Therefore, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy under pressure and Hyperbaric Assisted Oxygen Resuscitation can be achieved in a single unit, with IV infusion access through door ports.

In China, HBOT is approved for use in acute respiratory distress syndrome in human medicine.
(Reference: Jain, KK, Textbook of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, 6th Edition, 611-613)

Alternative uses for HBOT

As you can see, hyperbaric medicine as an adjunctive medicine for pets can prove extremely useful, and it’s not all too surprising that its popularity is on the rise. It can promote recovery in a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of infected wounds, snake bites, many forms of inflammation, joint pain, arthritis, etc. With relatively few risks it can also be a preferable alternative to invasive surgery for pet owners and veterinarians alike. Since the study of HBOT is expanding and people have become more familiar with its benefits, it has the opportunity to grow increasingly prevalent in veterinary medicine!

Snake bites are a serious concern for pets and pet owners alike, with the potential to cause life-threatening complications. Thankfully, treatment for snake bites has been increasingly successful, , especially with the introduction of groundbreaking hyperbaric animal chambers that can effectively help to promote healing. To find out more about snake bites in pets, and the treatment methods available, please continue reading below.

Signs of snake bites in pets

There is no way to prevent snake bites in pets entirely – even if your pets are indoors 24/7, there is always a potential for a snake to find its way inside your property and encounter your pet. As a result, pet owners are advised to be aware of the signs and symptoms of snake bites at all times.

Unfortunately, identifying the signs that your pet has been bitten by a snake is often easier said than done. No two snakes are alike; the severity of the bite even within the same species is influenced by the size and maturity of each individual snake. What’s more, bites sustained in summer – when snakes are first emerging from hibernation – can be more severe than bites sustained at other times of the year.

However, while the fact that snake bites can vary significantly makes it more challenging for pets to identify a potential snake bite, there are a few points to keep in mind:

• Swelling. Swelling will usually occur at the location of the bite. In particular, any swollen areas on the head and lower limbs should be a cause for immediate concern.
• Dilated pupils. Your pet’s pupils will often dilate as a result of a snake bite and not contract in response to light.
• Weakness. If your pet is struggling to remain upright or stumbling frequently, this could be a sign of a bite.
• Vomiting. There are numerous reasons your pet may vomit, but if your pet has been outside recently and otherwise seemed well, sudden onset vomiting may indicate a potential snake bite.
• Shaking or twitching. Shaking or twitching of the limbs or head can also indicate a recent bite.
• Paralysis or loss of consciousness. While it is unlikely your pet will become paralyzed or lose consciousness in the immediate aftermath of a snake bite, there is a chance these symptoms may develop a few hours after the bite occurs.

What to do if your pet has been bitten by a snake

If your pet is showing any signs of a snake bite, then your next step is simple: take your pet to a veterinarian immediately, even if they otherwise seem well. Home remedies are not a reliable choice for snake bites, so always seek professional attention as soon as possible.

Upon arriving at your vet’s office, your pet will undergo an assessment to try and ascertain the severity of the bite. At this point, antivenoms may be prescribed and administered if required.

However, antivenoms are an immediate treatment, designed to prevent the venom causing further harm to your pet. As a result, antivenoms are not suitable for long-term treatment and management of recovery. In order to facilitate healing, you may want to consider hyperbaric oxygen treatment for animals.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – commonly abbreviated as “HBOT” – has long been a beneficial health treatment for humans, with advancements in medicine, hyperbaric technology is now a viable option or pets as well.

HBOT is a relatively simple idea that has nevertheless been shown to be hugely effective. The therapy is designed to stimulate the natural healing processes by allowing an individual – or animal using HBOT for pets – to inhale 100% oxygen. HBOT is delivered in a sealed, high-pressure chamber,allowing your pet to rest comfortably without the need to wear a mask during treatment.. Instead, they are safely secured inside a hyperbaric animal chamber, and can then lie down and breathe normally. Furthermore, the fact that the chambers are see-through allows the pet to be viewed and monitored at all times during the treatment, which helps to ensure both treatment efficacy and comfort for your pet.

How hyperbarics is saving pets

HBOT for pets has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for a range of health conditions, including – but not limited to – the following:

• Feline polyradiculoneuritis
• Baclofen toxicity
• Canine pancreatitis
• Thermal burns
• Septic peritonitis
• Tooth root abscesses
• Delayed wound healing
• Severe tissue trauma…
• … and many more

Importantly, HBOT for pets has also been shown to help resolve injuries caused by snake bites.

Rusty’s case study: HBOT for a rattlesnake bite

Rusty, a Jack Russell terrier, was initially treated with antivenom and plasma for a rattlesnake bite at an emergency care center. Rusty had developed a severe swelling at the site of the bite below his neck. At first, surgical options were considered, until Rusty’s owner requested a second opinion. This second opinion led to Rusty being referred for HBOT; within three days of treatment, the swelling had almost entirely vanished.

Rusty’s case demonstrates the benefits of injury recovery with hyperbarics for pets. Without HBOT, Rusty’s snake bite would have resulted in a long process of surgical recovery in addition to the initial antivenom treatment he received. However, thanks to HBOT for pets, Rusty was able to recover quickly and effectively without the need for further intervention.

How can you access veterinarian hyperbaric treatment for snake bites?

While HBOT for pets has been shown, on numerous occasions, to be hugely advantageous for pets, hyperbaric animal chambers are not yet widespread. You, therefore, may need to travel to a specialist vet to access the treatment. Alternately, you may wish to discuss hyperbarics and the potential for hyperbarics with your vet, refer them to Sechrist Veterinary Health for more information.

In conclusion

If your pet sustains a snake bite, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is always recommended. After initial antivenom treatment, it is well worth pursuing options for veterinarian hyperbaric treatment. As Rusty’s case demonstrates, HBOT for pets can help avoid the need for further surgeries, and allow your pet to get back to their best as soon as possible.