What Is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is used in more than 300 veterinary clinics in Japan and is becoming a popular treatment modality for various health problems in dogs and cats. We have imported an ozone generator from Japan and are following the protocol developed by Japanese veterinarians. 

How does the ozone therapy work? 

1.        Increased Cellular Oxygenation

When ozone is absorbed into the body, it causes blood vessels to expand immediately and promotes the release of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Improved blood circulation enhances oxygen delivery to tissues. This process might positively impact the recovery of function in all tissues and organs, including the brain, peripheral nerves, eyes, intervertebral discs, limbs, and skin.

2.        Normalization of Immune Function

Ozone therapy stimulates the production of substances called cytokines, which can restore immune function if it is diminished and help regulate immune responses in autoimmune diseases. By enhancing immune function, ozone therapy may improve symptoms and reduce the need for medications for infections, tumours, and allergic diseases. Specifically, since hypoxic conditions and impaired immune function are believed to contribute to the development of tumour cells, ozone therapy may be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment for tumours. It could be effective on its own for benign tumours.

3.        Cellular Activation

Ozone therapy increases cellular energy production by delivering more oxygen to the cells. Additionally, the oxygen induces a moderate level of oxidative stress, which activates the antioxidant enzyme system and helps reduce the body's oxidative level (or "rusting"). Since aging is a state of increased oxidative stress, ozone therapy in older animals is expected to prevent aging (or "rusting"), potentially leading to improved vitality and appetite.

4.        Excellent Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

As mentioned earlier, ozone gas is a harmful substance. It has a strong affinity for dissolving in water and oil. By utilizing this property, ozone water and oil, which contain high concentrations of ozone gas dissolved in water or oil, can be used for external applications to kill pathogenic microorganisms effectively. Unlike antibiotics, which can lead to the development of resistant bacteria, ozone does not cause resistance and is safe for continuous use. Additionally, unlike other disinfectants, ozone does not irritate tissues and is commonly used for sterilizing delicate tissues such as the eyes during ophthalmic surgery. It is considered the first choice for conditions involving bacteria, such as periodontal disease, eye disinfection, otitis externa, skin diseases, and bladder infections, including bladder irrigation.

Ozone therapy comes in several forms, but we typically use the following three methods:

·      Minor Autohemotherapy

2 ml of the patient's blood is drawn, mixed with three times its volume of ozone gas, and then injected subcutaneously.

·      Ozone Gas Insufflation

Ozone gas is introduced directly into the rectum. The anus is compressed for about one minute to allow absorption.

·      Ozone External Treatment

It is used alone or in combination with ozone water for dental and dermatological treatments.

Which condition ozone therapy might help? 

·      Dental disease 

In cases of dental diseases in animals, particularly in dogs, periodontal disease often results from plaque accumulation around the gums, leading to loosened and eventually lost teeth. Following the dental scale and polish, we use cotton soaked in ozone water to swipe the periodontal pockets. This approach helps to slow the progression of periodontal disease and allows us to preserve the teeth.

·      Tumors

O. Warburg, who discovered that cells subjected to a low-oxygen environment (below 35%) tend to become cancerous, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1931. This finding indicates that most tumours exist in a hypoxic state. In response, ozone therapy is believed to exert various secondary effects in the body against hypoxic tumours, such as improving blood flow, increasing oxygen supply, enhancing antioxidant defences, and boosting immune function.

·      Skin Diseases

Ozone therapy includes using ozone oil as an external treatment. Unlike steroid medications, it has antibacterial properties and can accelerate wound healing with no concerns about side effects. Additionally, ozone oil is frequently observed to promote hair growth and reduce inflammation.

·      Aging Animals

Ozone therapy offers improved blood circulation, normalized immune function, enhanced neuroendocrine activity, and cellular activation. These effects counteract the decline associated with aging. Ozone therapy may help improve overall function. Many cases have shown increased appetite after ozone therapy.

·      Other Diseases

As explained for aging animals, many diseases can benefit from improved blood circulation, normalized immune function, enhanced neuroendocrine activity, and cellular activation. Therefore, ozone therapy applies to various conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and respiratory disorders. It is also used before anaesthesia in middle-aged and older animals to prevent circulatory issues and reduce post-anaesthesia recovery problems.

 What are the side effects of ozone therapy? 

Ozone reverts to oxygen as soon as it enters the body, so it does not leave residues and is considered safe. Additionally, because its effects only enhance the body's natural functions, it is believed that there are almost no side effects when ozone therapy is conducted with the appropriate concentration of ozone gas. Ozone might irritate the airway if inhaled. If your pet has a respiratory problem, we will assess the risk carefully before using the ozone therapy.