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Southern California Wildfires Creating a Series of Injuries to Wildlife and Family Pets

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Offers Relief Against Thermal Burns

Many people are being driven from their homes as multiple fires continue to rage throughout Southern California due to the Santa Ana wind-driven wildfires. With brush fires prompting evacuations and a series of blazes that have already scorched thousands of acres, it’s creating concern among those that have been impacted from minor and severe burn injuries.

Injuries as a result of thermal burns caused by heat or fire can cause severe damage to the skin becoming more serious days after an incident has occurred. Burn injuries are especially prone to infection and swelling and can often lead to surgical removal of dead tissue. In addition to surgical removal, the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as one application can be used as an adjunct to traditional treatment for thermal burns.

Thermal burns account for over a million cases requiring serious medical attention with thousands of cases resulting in death each year in the United States as a result of burn-related infections.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) slows the progression of skin damage and helps to reduce swelling. HBOT is considered safe for patients with moderate to severe burns, reduces healing time, provides relief from suffering and improves the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Administration includes placing the patient in an airtight chamber, increasing the oxygen pressure and administering 100-percent oxygen for respiration allowing the body to absorb oxygen molecules in a compressed state. The increased air pressure raises the oxygen in the blood during treatment which accumulates and diffuses into tissues where chronic wound and soft tissue damage have occurred. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the amount of oxygen blood can carry, restoring normal levels of blood gasses and tissue function.

Animal Dermatology Clinic Pasadena is reaching out to the communities affected and offering assistance to families with pets that have been injured in the fires. Our team is dedicated to bringing relief and recovery to pets that are suffering. Every measure will be taken to offer compassionate care while working directly with family veterinarians to put together a comprehensive plan for pets that have been affected. If you have questions about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or would like to learn more about treating thermal burns and infections, please contact Animal Dermatology Clinic Pasadena’s Skin Care Center at (626) 577-8181.