Support Healing with Cat and Dog Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Oakland, CA
When tissue is injured, swollen, or inflamed, getting enough oxygen to the affected area can become more difficult. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy gives the body another way to deliver oxygen where healing is needed most.
At Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, CA, we offer cat and dog hyperbaric oxygen therapy using 100% oxygen delivered under controlled pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber. This noninvasive therapy may be incorporated into treatment plans for wounds, trauma, post-surgical swelling, infections, neurologic injuries, and other conditions where increased oxygen delivery may support healing.
If your pet is recovering from an injury, surgery, or serious medical condition, ask our team whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be appropriate for their care.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pets?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, allows a pet to breathe 100% oxygen in a chamber where the air pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure. HBOT is generally used as part of a broader medical plan rather than as a replacement for other necessary veterinary treatments.
Under these conditions, more oxygen can dissolve into the blood plasma and other body fluids. This helps oxygen travel farther into swollen, inflamed, or damaged tissues where normal blood flow may be limited.
The increased oxygen delivery may help:
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Reduce swelling and inflammation
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Support wound healing
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Encourage new blood vessel formation
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Improve oxygen supply to damaged tissue
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Help the body control certain infections
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Reduce pressure associated with some head or spinal injuries
What Conditions Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help in Dogs and Cats?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, particularly when inflammation, tissue damage, poor oxygen delivery, or infection is affecting healing.
Conditions that may benefit include:
Injuries, Wounds, and Recovery
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Burns and non-healing wounds
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Crush injuries
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Post-surgical swelling
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Fracture-related swelling
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Skin grafts and flaps
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Tissue necrosis
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Traumatic soft tissue injuries
Neurologic Conditions
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Head trauma
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Spinal cord trauma
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Intervertebral disc disease
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Cerebral edema
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Acute nerve injury
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Brain swelling associated with certain conditions
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Degenerative neurologic disorders
Emergency and Internal Medicine Conditions
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Smoke inhalation
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Carbon monoxide exposure
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Heat stroke
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Snake or spider bites
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Pancreatitis
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Severe soft tissue infections
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Bone infections such as osteomyelitis
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Severe sinusitis or rhinitis
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Certain cases of blood loss, shock, or poor tissue oxygenation
What Should I Expect During My Pet’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is noninvasive and generally requires very little from the patient. Your pet rests inside the chamber while oxygen is delivered under carefully controlled pressure.
A typical treatment lasts approximately one to two hours. Many pets become calm and relaxed during their session, and some even fall asleep.
Our team monitors your pet throughout treatment and adjusts the plan according to their medical needs. HBOT may be used on its own as supportive care or combined with surgery, rehabilitation, stem cell therapy, wound care, or other treatments.
After treatment, your pet can usually return to their normal routine unless their underlying condition requires activity restrictions or additional monitoring.
How Often Will My Pet Need Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Treatment frequency depends on your pet’s condition and how urgently increased oxygen delivery is needed.
Some pets may receive HBOT one to three times per day, with at least four hours between sessions. Others may need a less intensive schedule over several days or as part of a longer recovery plan.
Acute injuries and serious conditions may call for more frequent early treatments, while chronic conditions may follow a different schedule. Your veterinarian will determine the number and timing of sessions based on your pet’s diagnosis, response, and overall treatment goals.
There is no standard number of treatments for every patient. We continue to reassess progress and adjust care based on how your pet is healing.
Book online or call us to schedule a consultation at Holistic Veterinary Care and ask whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy could support your pet’s recovery.