Assessment of canine tissue hemodynamics pre- and post-hyperbaric chamber treatment(HBO2) using time domain near infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS)

In small animal veterinary practice, hyperbaric chamber treatment has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for various conditions, but understanding its effects on tissue oxygenation and hemodynamics is crucial for effective monitoring and treatment assessment. In our pilot study, we investigated the feasibility of using Time Domain Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) to assess canine tissue properties before and after hyperbaric chamber treatment. Our findings showed significant changes in tissue optical properties post-treatment, with increased hemoglobin concentration in muscles but decreased concentration in the head region. Despite challenges such as hair and dark skin, TD-NIRS demonstrated clinical feasibility in assessing tissue oxygenation, suggesting its potential in veterinary medicine. Future research should focus on validating and optimizing TD-NIRS monitoring across diverse conditions and animal populations, with efforts to improve probe design and signal processing algorithms for enhanced accuracy and reliability.