Veterinary ozone therapy is an alternative or complementary treatment method that uses ozone gas (O3) for various animal ailments. Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen composed of three oxygen atoms.
How it works
Ozone therapy introduces medical-grade ozone into the animal's body, which then breaks into oxygen (O2) and a highly reactive singlet oxygen molecule. This reactive oxygen can interact with various body components to produce therapeutic effects. These effects include:
- Improved oxygenation: Ozone therapy helps increase oxygen delivery to tissues, improving cellular metabolism and energy production. This can be particularly beneficial for tissues with low oxygen levels.
- Reduced inflammation and pain: Ozone helps reduce inflammation and pain by increasing oxygen delivery and influencing inflammatory mediators.
- Antimicrobial effects: Ozone is a potent disinfectant and can help fight infections by damaging the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, according to Bhatt Integrative Veterinary Specialty.
- Immune system modulation: Ozone therapy can stimulate the immune system and enhance its ability to fight disease.
- Promotes healing: By improving oxygenation, reducing inflammation, and fighting infection, ozone therapy can accelerate healing from wounds, injuries, and surgeries.
- Potential anti-cancer effects: Ozone therapy is believed to have potential anti-cancer effects as cancer cells do not thrive in oxygen-rich environments, and ozone may help destroy them while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Administration methods
Veterinary ozone therapy can be administered in several ways, depending on the treated condition and the animal's needs. Some standard methods include:
- Rectal or bladder insufflation: Ozone gas is gently introduced into the rectum or bladder.
- Limb bagging: An affected limb or paw is placed in a bag filled with ozone gas for topical treatment of wounds and infections.
- Ozonated oils: Ozone-treated oils (like olive or coconut oil) can be applied topically to treat skin conditions, wounds, and infections.
- Autohemotherapy: A small amount of the animal's blood is mixed with ozone and then reinjected intravenously or intramuscularly.
- Ozonated saline infusions: Ozone is bubbled through saline and then administered intravenously or subcutaneously.
- Injections: Ozone gas or ozonated saline can be injected directly into joints, muscles, or other tissues.
- Inhalation: Ozone can be inhaled after being bubbled through olive oil to make it less irritating to the lungs.
Potential applications and considerations
Ozone therapy can serve as an adjunctive treatment for various conditions, including:
- Chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Wound healing and skin conditions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer support therapies
- Dental infections and gum disease
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Ear infections
- Liver and kidney disease
Treatments may be given weekly or just a few times monthly, depending on your pet's needs. Though still gaining popularity in the U.S., ozone therapy has been safely used in veterinary and human medicine for over 100 years—especially in Europe—and continues to grow in use as more veterinarians recognize its powerful healing benefits.
Our team is fully trained and committed to providing this therapy safely and effectively to help your pet feel their best.