Ozone therapy has been around for quite awhile, but it is only recently that we are hearing more about it. It has been used to treat diseases in both people and animals.  We asked Dr. Gerald Buchoff, immediate past president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) and a holistic veterinarian who uses ozone therapy in his practice, to answer some questions.

What is ozone and ozone therapy?
Ozone is O₃, the combination of three oxygen atoms combined when regular oxygen (O₂) is passed through an electric current. Ozone used in the body is one of the most powerful and versatile medical therapies known. It has beneficial effects on every part of the body because it super-oxygenates and detoxifies body tissues at the same time.

What medical conditions can be treated with ozone?
All immune diseases, cancers, fractures, wounds, and skin lesions can benefit from the use of ozone. It is also indicated in any condition that needs detoxification and healing.  Please note that ozone alone does not generally cure a case; rather, it is usually used in conjunction with other therapies.

Specifically, what diseases and ailments in animals are currently being treated with ozone?
Any condition involving microbes (virus, bacteria, fungus, rickettsia, Chlamydia), neoplasia (tumor cells), healing, or detoxification.  That kind of
indicateds almost all patients.

How much is it being used to treat animals?  Is it a relatively new treatment for animals and are there many vets using this therapy?
It is interesting that in the U.S., only a few states have approved it for use in human medicine, although it is allowed in veterinary medicine in all states. It has been used for more than 10 years by a few pioneering veterinarians, but has only recently (last two years) been lectured on at the AHVMA conferences. 

What does ozone do in the body?
Ozone can be used by a doctor to treat infection, to super-oxygenate the body to encourage healing and detoxification, and to kill cancer cells.
Medical ozone has the properties of:
stimulating the production of white blood cells,
increasing interferon levels,
stimulating the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor, directly inhibiting the growth of new cancer cells,
stimulating the increase of Interleukin-2, a very important controller of the immune system’s T-cell lymphocytes,
directly killing bacteria, virus, fungi,
enhancing circulation,
reducing clumping of red blood cells in the blood,
breaking down arterial plaque, accelerating the Citric Acid Cycle (Kreb’s Cycle) to produce more energy, making the antioxidant enzyme system more efficient, breaking down petrochemicals which place a great burden on the immune system and cause allergies,
and helping to remove waste products from the body. 

What is the history of medical ozone therapy?
Medical ozone has been used to disinfect and treat disease for over 150 years. The first textbook on medical ozone therapy was published in 1885. In 1929, the book “Ozone and its Therapeutic Actions” contributed to by heads of leading U.S. medical institutions, described the treatment of 114 diseases using ozone. Unfortunately, in 1933 the American Medical Association began its systematic suppression of all treatment modalities that were not in line with the emerging pharmacologic industries of the time. The suppression was less across the Atlantic, and ozone therapy is commonplace in Germany, Russia, and other countries. In fact, in Germany ozone generators are found in ambulances for immediate treatment of stroke victims, resulting in much higher and more thorough recovery rates than in the U.S.

Are there any side effects from ozone therapy?
If used properly, ozone is safe and there are no side effects. However, if it is breathed in directly instead of being bubbled through olive oil, it is very irritating and will cause the patient to cough for a long time. Ozone also can make the patient feels lightheaded for a few minutes.

Why are some people afraid of ozone?
Because we associate ozone with pollution and irritation to the respiratory system.  This is because in the summer heat, ozone combines with pollutants and nitrous oxides to irritate the eyes and lungs.

Any specific cases you can discuss?
I have used it as an adjunctive therapy in almost all of my cancer patients and several others needing healing, disinfection, or detoxification.  I’ve had a lot of successes but I can’t say with certainty if the ozone deserved the credit.

Any data on success rates?
Sorry, it’s still in its infancy in veterinary medicine, so the jury is still out.

Dr. Gerald Buchoff is the Immediate Past President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA). He owns and operates Holistic Pet Care, a clinic in West Paterson, NJ (www.hpcnj.com). He uses the modalities of chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, ozone therapy, herbal medicine (Chinese, Indian, western), Bach flower emotional remedies, embryo therapy, and nutritional therapy (supplements, glandulars, raw diet). Phone: 973–256-3899. Email: drbuchoff@comcast.net.