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BUSINESS NEWS - Just like in human medicine, oxygen tanks are essential in veterinary clinics and hospitals, helping animals breathe when their bodies struggle to do so effectively.
Understanding when and why oxygen tanks are used in veterinary care can help pet owners recognise the importance of this intervention.
When are oxygen tanks used for pets?
Veterinarians use oxygen tanks to administer supplemental oxygen to pets in various critical situations. Some of the most common instances where oxygen therapy is needed include:
1. Respiratory distress and lung disease
Pets suffering from conditions like pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, or pulmonary oedema often struggle to breathe. In such cases, veterinary oxygen therapy helps increase oxygen levels in the blood, reducing respiratory effort and providing immediate relief.
2. Heart disease
Heart conditions can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing difficult for pets. Supplemental oxygen is often necessary to stabilise pets experiencing heart-related respiratory distress.
3. Trauma and emergency situations
Injuries from car accidents, smoke inhalation, or near-drowning incidents can severely impact a pet’s ability to breathe. Oxygen therapy is used in emergency cases to make sure that oxygen delivery to vital organs remains sufficient while veterinarians work to treat the underlying injury.
4. Anaesthesia and Post-Surgical Recovery
Pets undergoing surgery are often placed on oxygen to maintain stable levels throughout anaesthesia. Post-operative oxygen therapy is also sometimes needed if a pet struggles to recover from sedation or experiences breathing difficulties after surgery.
5. Brachycephalic breeds (Flat-faced Dogs and Cats)
Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats have shortened airways that make them prone to breathing difficulties, especially in stressful situations or during hot weather. Oxygen therapy can be essential in stabilising these pets if they experience respiratory distress.
6. Poisoning and toxin exposure
Certain toxins or poisoning from substances, like acetaminophen, can lead to oxygen deprivation in pets. Oxygen therapy helps combat the effects of poisoning by ensuring adequate oxygenation.
Why are oxygen tanks essential in veterinary care?
Oxygen tanks provide a reliable and immediate source of supplemental oxygen, critical for treating respiratory distress and life-threatening conditions. The main benefits of oxygen therapy include:
- Oxygen therapy increases the oxygen available in the bloodstream, so vital organs receive enough oxygen to function correctly.
- By delivering oxygen directly to the lungs, pets don’t have to work as hard to breathe, reducing fatigue and distress.
- Oxygen therapy helps stabilise pets more quickly in emergencies, allowing veterinarians to address underlying conditions without the added stress of oxygen deprivation.
Veterinarians can administer oxygen through different methods, including oxygen masks, nasal cannulas, oxygen cages, and incubators. The choice of delivery method depends on the severity of the pet’s condition and their ability to tolerate the treatment.
Conclusion
Oxygen tanks are a critical component of veterinary care, providing life-saving oxygen to pets in distress. If your pet ever experiences breathing difficulties, seeking immediate veterinary attention could make all the difference in a successful outcome.
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