Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers for Treating Horse Injuries

When horses are exposed to oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, their tissues absorb oxygen that can fight infection, aid in healing damaged tissues, and support recovery after a complicated colic surgery.

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers can be found at equine clinics and rehabilitation centers where they are used under the guidance of a veterinarian. A typical chamber is a freestanding structure that resembles a circular stall with thick walls and several windows. A horse can be led into the chamber and left to move freely as oxygen is pumped in and the pressure is raised gradually to a level several times greater than normal. Treatment times are usually between 45 and 60 minutes, and a series of treatments is often used.

Proper construction, use, and maintenance of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber are important for the safety of horses and technicians. Prescribing veterinarians are trained so that they can decide whether to use the therapy on a particular horse, and chamber operators should be experienced in administering treatments.

A few health conditions have the potential to be made worse by hyperbaric oxygen therapy, so a veterinarian should examine a horse before its first treatment.