Oxygen Therapy

If your pet is showing signs of hypoxia, the veterinary staff will make sure supplemental oxygen is given promptly on arrival to the clinic or hospital. Hypoxia means the body, or specific tissues, are not supplied enough oxygen - which can be life threatening. There are many different methods of which the veterinary team can supply oxygen to your pet. 

Flow by: Oxygen tubing is held close to the face, usually directly in front of the nose or the mouth. To maximize the amount of oxygen given using this method, the flow rate must be turned up high and is sometimes not well tolerated by pets. This method helps at the beginning of the triage process while the veterinary team is determining what is causing the hypoxia. 

Face mask: Most face masks are clear, conical, or triangular in shape. They attach to the end of oxygen tubing to allow a more focused flow of oxygen directly into a pet’s face. For the best results, the mask must be fitted properly and the pet is monitored for any rebreathing of carbon dioxide. These masks have built-in vents near the base to allow exhaled carbon dioxide, heat, and humidity to escape safely.

Oxygen hood: Oxygen hoods closely resemble elizabethan collars (or cones-of-shame) but have a zippered top that is used to seal the top with clear plastic. Although this sounds a bit claustrophobic, some pets prefer this method over flow-by or face mask oxygen support. The oxygen is pumped into the enclosed space, but is not as tight on the pet’s face and they can see clearly. 

Oxygen cage: Oxygen cages are very important when supplemental oxygen has to be given to small animals over a longer period of time (hours to days). The rate at which oxygen is administered can be altered by vet staff on the outside, while the pet is securely in the cage. Cats and most smaller-medium sized dogs will fit in these cages. This allows a pet to receive oxygen, but not have to have the oxygen tubing, mask, or hood on for extended periods of time. The vet staff monitor the temperature, humidity, and ventilation for their patients in an oxygen cage.

Nasal oxygen: For larger dogs who would not fit comfortably in an oxygen cage - the veterinary team can place tubing or prongs in the nostrils to provide long term oxygen supplementation. A single nasal line (usually a red rubber tube) can provide sufficient oxygen supplementation, but if the pet is uncomfortable - two lines can be placed and used at a lower oxygen flow rate.

Intubation: Intubating with an endotracheal tube is used when the pet is in severe respiratory distress and unable to breath without assistance. Once the pet is intubated, the pet can be provided with 100% pure oxygen. 

When a pet is given supplemental oxygen, the long term goal is to find out the cause of needing oxygen support. Once diagnosed, the veterinary team will work to wean the pet off oxygen. The goal is to slowly decrease the oxygen flow rate and allow the pet to breathe room air in hopes the pet can leave the clinic or hospital able to breathe for themselves