Medical technologies are constantly improving and with pharmaceutical treatments being watched closely by some organizations, leaves horse owners and trainers looking for alternative methods to heal our horses. Many drugs mask underlining problems, some cause other side effects and numerous are not legal for competing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been used in humans for various treatments. It is also available for use with horses. Chambers are on a much larger scale to fit the needs and size of horses, but they are hard to find, but because of the excellent results more and more facilities have them. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery just west of Fort Worth in Weatherford has an Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Chamber. Because of the size of the chamber they have built the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center.
The way HBOT works is to provide oxygen under pressure. The higher the concentration of oxygen in blood, the faster wounds and inflammation can heal. There are numerous applications that that Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help. Lower limb damage can greatly benefit especially below the knees and hocks, since there is no muscle and consequently there is less oxygen in this part of the anatomy. HBOT is not just limited to injuries; it is also beneficial in post-surgical healing, ulcers, laminitis, chronic infections, bone infections, neurological and lung problems.
Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the alternative therapies offered and more will be discussed in later articles.
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