Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
REQUEST FORM

Learn about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and what VNIoC offers.

All referring veterinarians must understand and agree to the HBOT requirements and restrictions.

HBOT requirements

All HBOT requests require a copy of the most recent patient records, a COMPLETE list of current health conditions and ANY current medications including any topicals, ear/eye meds, oral medications, etc.

The requesting doctor must also review the HBOT Contraindications List to ensure the patient is likely a good candidate for treatment.  Any questions can be directed to the HBOT doctors at VNIOC (Dr. Rybak or Dr. McDonnell).

Please send relevant patient records to questions@vnioc.com. 

A member of the HBOT team may contact the requesting doctor if any questions or concerns arise about the case being referred.  We will make every effort to treat the patient as quickly as possible, as our schedule allows.  In cases where multiple treatments are recommended, the HBOT team will relay this information to the requesting doctor and/or client as needed.  Prior to treatment, the client must fill out an HBOT-specific patient questionnaire as well as an HBOT-specific release form.

HBOT restrictions

Medical conditions that are CONTRAINDICATED in HBOT:

  • Untreated Pneumothorax (If treated - chest tubes must be in place with Heimlich valves)

  • Untreated Hemorrhage

  • Hypothermia or Hyperthermia (over 103F)

  • Active Seizures

  • Obstructed airway

  • GI obstruction

  • Splenic/Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma

  • Pacemakers (unless specifically approved for use in HBOT)

  • Caution with Diabetics. Insulinoma is often contraindicated.**

  • Pregnancy may be contraindicated

Medications/solutions that are PROHIBITED in HBOT:

  • Alcohol

  • Any petroleum based product

  • Baby oil, coconut oil

  • Vaseline

  • Ointments

  • Any other topicals (Topical flea/tick meds within 24-48hrs, skin treatments, oils, perfumes, etc)

  • Opioids - must time these medications appropriately prior to HBOT treatment

  • Medication-delivering patches

  • CisPlatinum

  • Doxorubicin

  • Disulfiram

  • Mafenide Acetate

  • Bleomycin

Additionally:

  • If your patient has any active topical medications/oils/perfumes/etc on them, they must be fully bathed with Dawn dish soap prior to HBOT treatment.

  • Your patient cannot have any VetWrap or Velcro on them (cotton wrapping +/- Elastikon is OK).

  • Your patient cannot have IV lines/bags or Urine lines/bags attached (IVC, U-cath or E-tube/NG tube that is capped and FLUID-locked is OK).

  • Your patient cannot have any Non-cotton materials on them (No nylon or polyester materials - for example a mesh ‘shirt’ to protect chest tubes. 100% Cotton stockinette is OK).

  • Your patient cannot have any monitoring devices, or anything with batteries or metal on them. Surgical staples are OK.

  • **Diabetic patients will experience a 10-20 mg/dL drop in blood sugar during HBOT treatment. They must be well-controlled.