Effects of postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy on hematological and biochemical parameters in patients diagnoses with pyometra in sepsis

•Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be considered in the postoperative period of pyometra in bitches.•Association of three sequential HBOT sessions after ovariohysterectomy improves anemic condition in patients.•HBOT reduces leukocyte counts, demonstrating efficiency against infection/inflammation.•HBOT does not alter kidney and liver biochemical markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on hematologic and biochemical markers in dogs with pyometra in sepsis. Eighteen patients were equally distributed between the control group (CG) and the hyperbaric group (HG). All patients underwent ovariohysterectomy, supportive therapy, and insertion of a central venous catheter. HG attended three HBOT sessions (2 absolute atmospheres, 45 min) postoperatively. Blood tests were performed on admission, 1 h postoperatively, 24 h, 48 ​​h, and 72 h postoperatively. Both groups showed a significant reduction in red blood cells (Hm) and hematocrit (Hto) after surgery, but this effect was reversed after three HBO sessions and maintained in CG. Despite the initial reduction in hemoglobin (Hg) in HG, the values ​​increased again after the end of the protocol. A reduction of >50 % in leukocytes was noted in HG in the last evaluation in relation to the values ​​at admission. Significant reduction was also found for neutrophils, metamyelocytes and rods in HG. There was no difference in biochemical markers. HBO associated with OVH and supportive therapy can be considered in the treatment of pyometra, with rapid and marked improvement, after three sessions, in the e red blood cells and leukogram.