Ozone therapy in veterinary medicine: clinical indications and techniques

Abstract

Ozone therapy application and research have increased recently. The mixture of oxygen-ozone (O₂-O₃) has been used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of several diseases with beneficial effects. This brief literature review has the objective of disclosing the mechanisms of action and main clinical indications and possibilities of ozone therapy for different conditions. The local and systemic approaches and techniques described for human treatment can be easily transposed for use in animals, such as rectal insufflation; bag therapy; ozonated oil; intradiscal and paravertebral applications; in acupuncture points; minor autohemotherapy, and major autohemotherapy. The possibilities of clinical indications and dosages were also described, including immunological and infectious diseases. Although it is a minimally invasive and relatively safe approach, more clinical studies are necessary to standardize techniques, doses, and clinical indications.