Hyperbaric Chambers Go To The Dogs

BOCA RATON, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – Hyperbaric chambers have long been used to help treat certain injuries in humans. But, the technology is now being used to help man's best friend.

The Calusa Veterinary Center in Boca Raton is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is offering hyperbaric treatments to animals.

CBS4's Cynthia Demos arrived at the facility and found the team treating a large open wound on a dog's back left after it was mauled by another dog.

Dr. Andrew Turkell was treating the eight-year-old sheltie's wound with the chamber to help treat the infection.

But, Dr. Turkell said the technology isn't just for open wounds. The hyperbaric chamber come complete with camera and fills with 100 percent oxygen.

Dog owner Halene Sussman brought her dog Teddy to the office after he suffered a stroke.

"He couldn't eat; he couldn't walk; he couldn't do his business," Sussman said.

In Teddy's case, the chamber helped push the pure oxygen into part of the brain that never would have received the oxygen.

"What oxygen does is basically enhance self-function," Dr. Turkell said.

After 20 treatments that lasted 45 minutes per session, Teddy is now able to walk with the assistance of some booties for traction. He's also able to eat and function for Halene.

"I call it the miracle machine," Halene said.

Dr. Turkell said the treatments could be used for multiple ailments including pancreatitis, crushing disease, and osteoarthritis to name a few.

The treatment's cost $125 per visit to Dr. Turkell's clinic. For more information on the clinic click here.