Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine (SCVIM), located in the Veterinary Specialty Center, is putting more pressure on disease with one of their new treatment modalities, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Initially used in human medicine for treating scuba divers with decompression illness, or “the bends,” the clinical applications of HBOT have grown significantly over the last two decades.

The Veterinary Specialty Center, located just north of the new Traders Joe’s, is one of only two veterinary hospitals in Colorado to provide this powerful treatment technology. Christina Knajdl, CVT, HBOT Coordinator, has observed amazing results during the year this treatment option has been available.

Charlie, a 10 year old Labrador Retriever, was treated with HBOT for a non-healing wound involving her paw. “All four toes were involved,” said Rhonda Moons, Charlie’s owner. “We thought there was a chance they would have to amputate her leg”.

Thankfully Charlie responded tremendously well to HBOT. “The difference after just a few sessions was dramatic,” said Moons. “SCVIM re-x-rayed her and we could even see significant improvement in the bones as well.”

In Charlie’s case, placing her in the chamber allowed her to get a tremendous amount of oxygen, (three to four times the normal amount), directly to her diseased paw that could not have been provided any other way. The high level of oxygen lessens inflammation, controls infection, and stimulates stem cells – all of which help to heal injured tissue.

Another benefit the doctors at SCVIM have witnessed through the use of HBOT, is aiding animals with arthritis. Diego Harrison’s nine year old cat Julie, was recommended for HBOT to address a couple of health issues. Because of a nasal tumor, she was getting recurring sinus infections on top of dealing with arthritis in her legs. Julie underwent HBOT several times over the course of a few weeks, but Harrison said her progress was obvious after just a couple sessions.

“She was showing improvement right away, “he said. “She started jumping around being playful pretty soon after the therapy began.“

At SCVIM, pets are placed in an animal hyperbaric oxygen chamber, in which 100 – percent oxygen is delivered at 1.5 -2.0 atmospheric pressures. “Patients typically tolerate the chamber relatively well,” said Knajdl. “Many even fall asleep.”

Dr. Chris McReynolds, owner of SCVIM, sees incredible potential with HBOT as an additional weapon in their arsenal for treating many diseases, not just severe infections and arthritis, but also neurologic injury, pancreatitis, fractures, and post- operative healing, just to name a few.

The treatment is often used as an “adjunctive treatment,” meaning in conjunction with other medical care. Dr. McReynolds notes that in many cases HBOT provides the means to speed up the healing process. “We are so often waiting for traditional medicine to help with healing,” he said, “HBOT is like daylight savings, it pushes the clock forward helping the body heal quicker.”

Dr. McReynolds is excited about the potential of HBOT in veterinary medicine, but also recognizes there is a lot left to learn. In attempting to answer some of these questions, SCVIM is currently conducting a study looking at the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on elbow arthritis in dogs.

“If your canine companion is experiencing discomfort in his or her front legs we would love to hear from you,” said Knajdl. “Your best friend could be a candidate in our research study.”

If you have any questions regarding the candidacy of the your loved one for the study, or just questions about HBOT, email Christina Knajdl at cknajdlscvim@yahoo.com or call 719-272-4004.