Ozone (O3), artificially generated, can be therapeutic when administered properly, helping fight diseases in animals and humans. In veterinary medicine, ozone therapy is an alternative veterinary medicine modality.
Ozone gas consists of three oxygen molecules, unlike the oxygen (O2) that animals and humans breathe, which contains only two molecules. Ozone is created by passing pure oxygen through an electric coil, transforming it. Once administered, ozone breaks down into oxygen molecules, which the body then uses in the same way as regular oxygen.
Ozone can be administered locally, targeting a specific area of the body or systemically, entering the circulatory system. Local methods include limb bagging, where an infected or wounded leg or paw is placed in an ozone-filled plastic bag. Another method, fecal transplantation, combines clean fecal matter with ozone and introduces it into the pet's rectum to help cleanse the digestive system and remove biofilm that hides bacteria.
In the biophotonic blood treatment, a systemic approach, the veterinarian draws the pet's blood, combines it with ozone and sodium chloride, and exposes the mixture to UV light before reintroducing it into the bloodstream. The method of administration depends on the condition being treated.
Once ozone enters the body, it targets tissues such as bone marrow, endothelium, leukocytes, and erythrocytes. The result is several healing changes, such as the boosting of the immune system, enhancement of cell oxygenation, the release of growth factors, and stem cell formation.
The extra atom in ozone acts as a strong disinfectant that kills germs by puncturing their enclosing membranes, resulting in leaks. It also helps reduce the enzymes and proteins germs thrive in. Ozone also helps speed up the healing of skin, mouth, and gut infections.
Swelling starves the affected area of oxygen. Ozone therapy introduces oxygen to the inflamed site, preventing the production of inflammation-causing chemicals, thus reducing swelling and helping to prevent pus buildup.
Ozone improves cell oxygenation. More oxygen in the blood means more energetic, self-healing cells for faster skin, muscle, bone, and tissue healing. Ozone also boosts blood circulation by opening up blood vessels. It also increases vaccine efficacy by activating special antibodies and immune cells.
Ozone therapy has proven effective in treating chronic conditions, autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancer, eye diseases, kidney failure, and advanced inoperable tumors. It can work as a direct treatment or with other healing practices like acupuncture, physical therapy, and drugs.
Ozone therapy is safe for pets when used under direct medical supervision. To avoid adverse side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, vets match ozone amounts to the pet's size and health status. Opting for local, non-invasive administration where viable is also safer than directly injecting ozone into the bloodstream. The use of medical-grade oxygen and calibrated ozone generators also helps reduce risks.
Ozone therapy has been used in human medicine for over 200 years, with Nikola Tesla pioneering the first ozone generator in 1896. By 1911, Dr. Noble Eberhart was already using ozone to treat conditions like anemia, tinnitus, and asthma. While ozone therapy has only recently gained popularity in veterinary medicine, it holds promise as a valuable addition to holistic pet care. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its benefits, risks, and applications.
