31/05/2026
For IVDD dogs, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a great adjunctive therapy!
In fact, IVDD dogs represent more than half of all hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments for pets in the USA!
Early intervention is optimal (ideally within the first 24-48 hours) but HBOT has an important role in the ongoing management and recovery of IVDD dogs beyond the acute phase.
Earlier treatment means a better chance of recovery, but HBOT can play an important role in chronic cases too!
Whether taking a surgical approach, conservative/ medical/ management approach or an integrative approach (or all of the above), HBOT can improve outcomes.
HBOT is safe and effective used alongside all therapies for IVDD; surgery, medications, stem
cell therapy, laser, red light, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, supplements etc. In fact, it enhances and or potentiates these treatments!
HBOT doesn't replace the role of surgery, crate rest, medications and supplements, and
integrative therapies. Rather, it complements and enhances and/or potentiates these therapies.
In IVDD, there are two main problems for the spinal cord: compression and reduced oxygen
supply. Compression is the physical pressure on the spinal cord and the pain and functional
deficits this causes. Reduced oxygen supply occurs because of swelling and inflammation and disrupted blood flow to the spinal cord and the diminished health of the environment around the nerves. HBOT directly treats the problem of low oxygen in the spinal cord environment.
HBOT improves oxygen delivery where blood flow is compromised, reduces swelling, calms
inflammation and supports recovery of cells that are injured but not yet dead.
The increased oxygen concentration and ability of the oxygen to be carried in plasma means
oxygen is used as medicine. By moving in plasma the oxygen can effectively bypass the
problems presented to healing by swelling and damaged blood vessels. Oxygen can move deep into body tissues, where it reduces swelling (reducing pressure on the spinal cord from swelling), stimulates new blood vessel formation and helps manage pain.
For IVDD dogs. HBOT bypasses the problem of damaged tiny blood vessels by allowing the
oxygen diffused into the plasma to reach the cells that need it most!
HBOT downregulates inflammatory cytokines (turns down the excessive inflammatory response from the body that leads to tissue damage), promotes angiogenesis (growth of blood vessels) and so improves long term blood supply to damaged and healing tissues.
HBOT doubles circulating stem cells after a single treatment! And increases stem cells by up to 8 times with repeated sessions.

It is super important to limit the extent of secondary spinal injury in IVDD dogs, with the aim being to facilitate regeneration of axons and increase the compensatory plasticity of surviving tissue. HBOT plays an important role here.
IVDD Grades & Benefits of HBOT:
Grade 1-2: Reduces inflammation and helps to prevent worsening of the condition.
Grade 3: Helps to stop further deterioration. Supports injured nerve cells and
reduces secondary damage.
Grade 4: HBOT is particularly valuable at this stage. Improves oxygen delivery to
injured tissue, reduces swelling and inflammation and helps restore nerve
cells that are struggling but are not yet permanently damaged.
Grade 5: HBOT can be used alongside surgical or medical management, aiming to
support remaining tissue and reduce ongoing damage caused by the
inflammatory process, and help restore surviving nerve cells.
