Effect of ozone therapy on blood indices in calves with bronchopneumonia

Abstract

The effect of ozone therapy on the biochemical blood indices of Holstein calves at the age of 1-6 months with bronchopneumonia in order to evaluate the possible antihypoxic effect of ozone was investigated. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 10 calves - the control group and 2 trial groups. Ozone therapy was performed by injecting calves intramuscularly at a dose of 0.5 mL kg in 30 minutes after its preparation in a special way for 5 days. The injection was prepared with the ozone generator OGVK-05 for 10 minutes while the requirements of sterility and stability of ozone concentration were strictly complied with. The dynamics of blood biochemical indices were monitored before the start of therapy and in three and five days after the last injection. As a result of the application of ozonated saline solution, a significant increase of blood alkali reserve was observed from 49.7 to 52.6 mmol L; glucose content levels increased from 1.92 to 2.72 mmol L which was indicative of the activation of energy processes in the animal body. In addition, an improvement in the deformability of red blood cells was revealed; that increased their ability to penetrate into small capillaries providing more efficient oxygen saturation of tissues. Despite a slight decrease of total calcium levels (from 2.49 to 2.40 mmol L) in some groups, there was a general normalization of metabolic processes including stabilization of the acid-base state of the blood. All the collected, processed and analyzed data fully confirm that ozone therapy not only accelerates the recovery of calves but also reduces the risk of the disease becoming chronic. Additionally, it was found that the use of ozone improved the overall condition of the animals, enhanced the effectiveness of complex treatment and shortened the recovery time. Thus, ozone therapy may be advised as a promising method in veterinary practice for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in calves.