Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Dogs and Cats
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is coming to VSP Evansville in early spring 2027.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Supports Healing
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen carried through your pet’s bloodstream. The pressurized environment allows oxygen to reach tissues where circulation may be limited because of swelling, injury, infection, or another medical condition. This increased oxygen delivery may support tissue repair, help the immune system respond to infection, and complement other veterinary treatments.
Potential Benefits of HBOT:
- Supports healing after injuries and medical procedures
- Helps reduce swelling and inflammation
- Increases oxygen delivery to damaged tissues
- Supports the body’s response to certain infections
- Provides a noninvasive form of supportive care
- May improve recovery when healing has been delayed
- Can be combined with medication, wound care, and surgery
- Offers a calm treatment experience for many pets
Conditions That May Respond to HBOT
- Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Burn injuries
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Pancreatitis in dogs
- Chronic or slow healing wounds
- Smoke inhalation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Urinary inflammation or obstruction
- Tissue swelling after surgery
- Traumatic injuries
- Selected infections
- Snake bites and other injuries associated with severe swelling
- Compromised circulation
- Soft tissue damage
What to Expect During Treatment
Our goal is to keep every hyperbaric oxygen therapy session calm, carefully monitored, and as comfortable as possible for your pet.
Comfortable Treatment
Your pet rests inside a spacious, transparent chamber designed for veterinary hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The chamber allows the medical team to observe your pet throughout the session.
Carefully Managed Pressure
The pressure inside the chamber is increased gradually according to established treatment protocols. This controlled environment helps greater amounts of oxygen enter the bloodstream and reach affected tissues.
Concentrated Medical Oxygen
The chamber circulates concentrated medical oxygen while your pet breathes normally. No breathing mask or invasive equipment is typically required during the session.
A Calm Experience
Many pets remain calm, rest, or sleep while receiving treatment. The veterinary team monitors your pet’s behavior, breathing, comfort, and response throughout the session.
Personalized Treatment Schedule
HBOT may be administered once daily, but treatment frequency varies according to the condition, severity, and response to care.
Could HBOT Support Your Pet’s Recovery?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered when your pet is healing from an injury, recovering after surgery, managing a serious infection, or experiencing delayed tissue repair. Not every dog or cat is an appropriate candidate for HBOT. Certain respiratory, ear, or medical conditions may require additional precautions or an alternative approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pets?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a supportive veterinary treatment in which a dog or cat receives concentrated medical oxygen inside a pressurized chamber.
The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach damaged or poorly circulated tissues.
This additional oxygen may support healing, reduce inflammation, and help the body respond to certain injuries, infections, and medical conditions.
How Does HBOT Work?
Your pet enters a specially designed chamber where the pressure is gradually increased.
While breathing normally, your pet receives concentrated oxygen at a pressure higher than normal atmospheric conditions.
The treatment increases oxygen delivery throughout the body, including areas where swelling or damaged circulation may be limiting the normal oxygen supply.
Which Conditions May Benefit From HBOT?
HBOT may be used to support pets with:
- Slow healing wounds
- Soft tissue injuries
- Surgical recovery needs
- Burns
- Serious infections
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pancreatitis
- Severe inflammation
- Smoke inhalation
- Traumatic swelling
The benefits vary by condition. Your specialist will determine whether HBOT supports the goals of your pet’s overall treatment plan.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?
HBOT is generally considered safe when patients are evaluated beforehand and treatment is administered by trained veterinary professionals.
Your pet is observed throughout the session, and chamber pressure is managed according to established protocols.
Before beginning treatment, our team checks for medical concerns that could affect safety or require additional precautions.
Will My Pet Be Awake During Treatment?
Yes. Most pets remain awake and do not require sedation for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The chamber is transparent, spacious, and designed so the veterinary team can monitor your pet continuously.
Many dogs and cats become comfortable enough to rest or sleep during their session.
How Long Does an HBOT Session Take?
Treatment times vary from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
How Does HBOT Fit Into My Pet’s Care Plan?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is usually a supportive treatment rather than a replacement for other veterinary care.
It may be combined with:
- Medication
- Wound treatment
- Surgery
- Infection management
- Pain control
- Rehabilitation
- Internal medicine care
Your specialist will include HBOT only when it is expected to provide a meaningful benefit for healing, comfort, or recovery.
Does My Pet Need a Veterinary Referral?
You don't need a referral to see us. We do like to include your family veterinarian, so we'll request their records and keep them updated on your pet's care. Veterinarians can send cases through our referral page.
Will My Primary Veterinarian Stay Involved?
Yes. VSP works closely with primary veterinarians to support coordinated care.
Our specialty team can share consultation findings, treatment recommendations, HBOT progress, and follow up instructions with the referring practice.
Veterinary professionals can access available documents through the appropriate VSP patient portal.