Announcing Veterinary Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
By Dr Matthew J Muir (Clinical Director ANVC)
A new era in veterinary medicine for your companion's recovery and wellbeing…
Our clinic is proud to be among the first in Sydney to offer Veterinary Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (VHBOT) for companion animals. This innovative treatment, which has been used successfully in human medicine for decades, is now available to help your pet heal faster, fight inflammation, and support recovery from a range of serious conditions.
Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic inflammatory condition, or facing a serious diagnosis like cancer, VHBOT offers a safe, non-invasive way to enhance their body's natural healing capabilities.
What Is Veterinary Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT involves placing your pet in a specialised chamber where they breathe 100% pure oxygen at approximately twice normal atmospheric pressure, equivalent to the pressure experienced 10 metres underwater.¹
The Science Behind the Healing
Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried primarily by red blood cells. However, when your pet breathes pure oxygen under increased pressure, something remarkable happens:
Oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma, increasing blood oxygen levels by up to 10–15 times normal concentrations²
This oxygen-rich plasma can penetrate 3–4 times further into tissues than oxygen delivered by red blood cells alone³
Damaged, swollen, or poorly perfused tissues, which normally struggle to receive adequate oxygen, can finally get the fuel they need to heal
Think of it like this: when tissue is injured or inflamed, the tiny blood vessels that normally deliver oxygen become compressed or damaged. HBOT bypasses this problem entirely, flooding the plasma with oxygen that diffuses directly into the cells that need it most.
How Does VHBOT Help My Pet?
The therapeutic benefits of VHBOT extend far beyond simply delivering more oxygen. Research has demonstrated multiple mechanisms of action:⁴ ⁵
Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Effects
HBOT downregulates inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8) and reduces neutrophil adhesion to blood vessel walls; essentially "switching off" the excessive inflammatory response that contributes to tissue damage.⁵
Enhanced Immune Function
Oxygen-starved white blood cells cannot effectively fight infection. HBOT restores their bacteria-killing capacity and enhances the "oxidative burst"; the mechanism immune cells use to destroy pathogens.⁶
Stimulates New Blood Vessel Formation
HBOT promotes angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels), improving long-term blood supply to healing tissues.⁷
Mobilises Stem Cells
Research shows that HBOT can double circulating stem cells after a single treatment, and increase them up to eight-fold with repeated sessions; supporting tissue regeneration without pharmaceutical intervention.⁸
Reduces Swelling
HBOT causes controlled vasoconstriction in healthy vessels while improving oxygen delivery, effectively reducing oedema in damaged tissues.⁵
Conditions We Can Consider Treating with VHBOT
Cancer Support: A Special Focus at Our Clinic
If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, VHBOT may offer valuable support as part of their treatment plan. While VHBOT is not a cancer treatment on its own, research suggests it can:
Enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy by increasing tumour oxygenation; since oxygen-deprived (hypoxic) tumour cells are more resistant to radiation⁹
Support surgical recovery by accelerating wound healing and reducing post-operative complications
Potentially enhance certain chemotherapy protocols by improving drug delivery and efficacy⁹ ¹⁰
May have direct tumour-inhibitory effects in certain cancer subtypes, according to a 2012 comprehensive review that found VHBOT was safe and did not promote cancer growth¹⁰
A clinical review published in Targeted Oncology concluded that there is no evidence VHBOT stimulates cancer growth, and preliminary data suggests it may actually inhibit tumour progression in some cases.¹⁰
Spinal and Neurological Conditions
VHBOT is a compelling option for spinal injuries, with evidence supporting its use in:
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)—the most common neurological indication, representing over 50% of HBOT cases in published veterinary studies¹¹
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
Spinal trauma
Traumatic brain injury
Research in animal models has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in neurological function and reduced tissue damage when HBOT is administered following spinal cord injury.¹² Early intervention is key; ideally within the first 24–48 hours following injury.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis involves significant inflammation and tissue hypoxia. Emerging evidence supports VHBOT as an adjunctive therapy, with animal studies showing reduced severity and improved survival in severe acute pancreatitis.¹³
Hepatitis and Liver Support
The liver is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Research has demonstrated that VHBOT provides protective effects on liver cells (hepatocytes), reducing inflammation and supporting cellular function, particularly valuable in inflammatory liver conditions.¹⁴
Cardiac Conditions
VHBOT is used to support patients with:
Aortic thromboembolism (including feline "saddle thrombus")
Post-cardiac events where tissue oxygenation is compromised
Reperfusion injury following vascular events
In a study of 56 dogs with haemorrhagic shock, early VHBOT intervention significantly improved survival rates.¹⁵
Vestibular Disease
Idiopathic geriatric vestibular syndrome and other vestibular conditions may benefit from VHBOT's anti-inflammatory and tissue-supportive effects. While dedicated clinical trials are limited, the underlying mechanisms of inflammation reduction and enhanced tissue oxygenation support its use in these cases.
Cognitive Dysfunction
For senior pets experiencing cognitive decline, VHBOT offers a novel approach. The mechanism involves:
Reducing neuroinflammation
Improving cerebral oxygenation
Potentially "reactivating" senescent brain tissue
While formal clinical trials are ongoing, preliminary evidence and clinical observations suggest improvement in mental alertness and quality of life.
Other Inflammatory Conditions
HBOT's broad anti-inflammatory effects make it valuable for:
Inflammatory bowel disease
Peritonitis
Non-healing wounds
Post-surgical recovery
Severe infections
Snake and spider envenomation
Burns and skin grafts
What to Expect During Treatment
The Treatment Experience
Your pet will be comfortably placed in our specialised veterinary hyperbaric chamber; no masks or tubes are required. The chamber features:
Clear viewing windows so staff can monitor your pet continuously
Video recording of the pet
Digital monitoring of oxygen, CO₂, temperature, and humidity
Treatment protocol typically involves:
Gradual pressurisation over approximately 10 minutes
30 minutes at therapeutic pressure (usually 2 ATA)
Gradual decompression over approximately 10 minutes
Total session time: approximately < 60 minutes
Most pets tolerate the procedure remarkably well—many relax or even fall asleep during treatment.
Treatment Course
The number of sessions depends on your pet's condition:
Acute conditions (spinal injuries, post-surgical): Often 3–5 sessions initially.
Chronic conditions: May require 3–20+ sessions, often starting with frequent treatment then transitioning to maintenance
Cancer support: Individualised based on treatment protocol and response
Wellness/aging support: Periodic maintenance sessions (e.g., monthly)
We recommend an initial course of 3 treatments to assess your pet's response, then tailoring ongoing treatment based on their progress.
Is HBOT Safe?
HBOT is considered one of the safest adjunctive treatments in veterinary medicine.
A large retrospective study of 2,792 treatment sessions in small animals found:¹¹
Minor adverse events (agitation, vomiting): Rare and treatment could continue safely
Major adverse events: Very low incidence
Seizures occurred in 0.7% of sessions (primarily in older female dogs)—these resolved spontaneously upon decompression with no long-term effects
No seizures were reported in cats or other species
No pulmonary adverse events in properly screened patients
Safety Considerations
Our trained staff, lead by Dr Sam Lawson, who has gained additional training and accreditation in VHBOT will:
Thoroughly assess your pet's suitability before treatment
Monitor continuously throughout each session
Use conservative pressure protocols for older patients or those on medications that may lower seizure threshold
Screen for any contraindications (e.g., untreated pneumothorax, pulmonary bullae)
Not perform treatment during electrical storms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any pet have HBOT?
Most dogs and cats are excellent candidates. We could also treat exotic species on a case-by-case basis. Certain conditions (pneumothorax, pulmonary bullae) require special consideration.
Will my pet need sedation?
Most pets do not require sedation. The chamber is comfortable, and the majority of patients relax during treatment. If pets are highly anxious with separation distress we may elect not to recommend.
How soon will I see results?
Many guardians report visible improvement after just 1–3 sessions, particularly for acute inflammatory conditions. More chronic conditions may take longer to show response.
Can VHBOT be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. VHBOT is designed as an adjunctive therapy that enhances conventional treatments and other integrative treatments that we provide
What does HBOT cost?
Treatment is $450 per session with a minimum 3 session commitment. We're happy to discuss pricing and treatment packages further.
Take the Next Step
If you believe your pet could benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy; whether they're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or fighting cancer; we invite you to contact our clinic for a consultation.
Our operator, Dr Sam Lawson is currently offering free pre-session teleconsultations to discuss candidacy.
We're here to help your pet heal.
References
Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment. Available at: www.bvsc.com.au/vet-services/hyperbaric-oxygen-treatment/
Lambertsen CJ, Dough RH, Cooper DY, et al. Oxygen toxicity; effects in man of oxygen inhalation at 1 and 3.5 atmospheres upon blood gas transport, cerebral circulation and cerebral metabolism. J Appl Physiol 1953;5(9):471-486.
Popel AS. Theory of oxygen transport to tissue. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 1989;17(3):257-321.
Thom SR. Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011;127 Suppl 1:131S-141S.
Elam L. Diving In: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. Today's Veterinary Practice 2020 Jan/Feb.
Knighton DR, Halliday B, Hunt TK. Oxygen as an antibiotic: the effect of inspired oxygen on infection. Arch Surg 1984;119(2):199-204.
Marx RE, Ehler WJ, Tayapongsak P, Pierce LW. Relationship of oxygen dose to angiogenesis induction in irradiated tissue. Am J Surg 1990;160(5):519-524.
Thom SR, et al. Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2006;290:H1378-H1386.
Stępień K, Ostrowski RP, Matyja E. Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of malignancies, including brain tumours. Med Oncol 2016;33:101.
Moen I, Stuhr LEB. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer—a review. Target Oncol 2012;7(4):233-242.
Montalbano C, Kiorpes C, Elam L, Miscioscia E, Shmalberg J. Common Uses and Adverse Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a Cohort of Small Animal Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of 2,792 Treatment Sessions. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:719408.
Ilhan H, et al. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on experimental ischemia reperfusion injury of the spinal cord. Spinal Cord 2013.
Nikfarjam M, Cuthbertson CM, Malcontenti-Wilson C, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces severity and improves survival in severe acute pancreatitis. J Gastrointest Surg 2007;11(8):1008-1015.
Lukiswanto BS, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in hind limb IR injury: hepatocyte function protection. 2017.
Sherman DM, et al. Haemorrhagic shock in dogs: HBOT outcomes. 1989.
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Every pet is an individual, and treatment recommendations should be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
