THE VETOZON JOURNAL
Veterinary ozone therapy: preparing your first consultation
Discovering ozone therapy for your animal? A first consultation helps you understand the applications of this approach and discuss a care plan with your veterinarian. These six points will help you prepare.
1. Your animal’s needs and the goals of care
The consultation starts with your animal: health, habits, mobility, comfort and the changes you have noticed. The veterinarian clarifies the diagnosis and any useful examinations. Together you discuss the goals of care and the signs that will help track progress.
2. Applications being studied and their relevance
Veterinary research explores different applications of ozone therapy. Your veterinarian can discuss work relating to the species, condition and technique being considered, and explain its relevance to your animal.
A 2020 trial involving 14 dogs with hip osteoarthritis associated with dysplasia found improvements in lameness and orthopaedic scores with hyaluronic acid, either alone or combined with ozone. The combination produced better results on some gait-analysis measures. Clinical scores did not differ significantly between groups. These findings concern this combination and small study population, and can inform a discussion of your animal’s care.
Reference: Silva Júnior et al. (2020), canine hip osteoarthritis trial.
3. The selected technique and the session
Bagging, local injections, rectal insufflation and autohaemotherapy are different application methods. Your veterinarian explains the proposed option, its role in the care plan and what the session involves. Discuss its duration, preparation and whether the owner can be present.
4. Comfort and support during sessions
The animal’s comfort guides the session. Your veterinarian explains the procedure, precautions, monitoring and possible adverse effects, as well as what to watch for at home and how to contact the practice.
In 2024, a crossover study in ten healthy dogs followed clinical and biological parameters after rectal insufflation. Researchers observed an antioxidant response after transient oxidative stress, with changes in certain parameters remaining within reference ranges for the species. The work provides information on biological response and tolerance under the study conditions; it did not measure treatment of a disease.
Reference: de Oliveira et al. (2024), randomised crossover study in healthy dogs.
5. Follow-up and continuity of care
Bring relevant reports and a list of medicines or supplements. Ask when the first review will take place, what to monitor at home and when to contact the practice. Any change to existing treatment should be agreed with your veterinarian.
6. Practical arrangements and budget
Discuss what the consultation includes, the likely number of appointments, any examinations and follow-up reviews. A clear schedule and budget help you prepare the next steps with your veterinarian.
What to bring
- Consultation and examination reports, for the veterinarian.
- A list of prescribed treatments.
- Your observations of your animal’s daily life.
- Questions about care goals, sessions, follow-up and budget.
Your veterinarian adapts care to the diagnosis and your animal’s needs. In an emergency or if the condition worsens, contact them promptly.