02/19/2026
Canine Holistic Wellness Centre
Meet TORO:
13yo M/N Dachshund with Diabetes and Hepatocutaneous Syndrome
(an extremely rare liver condition that affects around 200 dogs world wide).
Hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS), also known as superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) or necrolytic migratory erythema, is a rare, progressive skin disease in dogs (and rarely cats) often associated with a poor prognosis of 3 to 6 months as it's linked to severe liver dysfunction or, less commonly, pancreatic tumors. With intensive management (e.g., amino acid infusions), some dogs can live over a year. It causes severe crusting and ulceration, particularly on footpads, mucocutaneous junctions, face and pressure points typically due to extreme amino acid deficiency.
Toro receives amino acid infusions every couple of weeks to assist with his condition. Toro was given the usual 3-6mths and they're over 2 years of extra time. 🫶
As you will see by the images of Toro attached he has a non-healing necrotic wound on one of his toes.
Plus we are using Ozone baths to remove the loose dead tissue and we are limb bagging his leg to deliver a treatment of ozone to the foot. Plus he really enjoyed his red light therapy. 🫶
How would HBOT help Toro?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treats necrotic (dead or dying) tissue by delivering 100% oxygen at high pressure, which floods oxygen starved areas, reducing tissue swelling, and fights infections.
It promotes healing by stimulating new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), enhancing white blood cell function, and increasing collagen production.
How HBOT Helps with Necrotic Tissue?
By increasing oxygenation to ischemic tissue, HBOT dramatically raises the pressure of oxygen in the blood, forcing it into tissues that are hypoxic (low oxygen) or necrotic, which helps stop the progression of tissue death.
HBOT reduces edema and swelling: The high pressure reduces edema (fluid buildup) in damaged tissues, which improves blood flow to the area and brings necessary nutrients for repair.
Antibacterial Effects:
HBOT increases oxygen concentration in tissues, creating an environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria (like those in necrotizing fasciitis).
Enhances Immune Response:
It improves the ability of white blood cells (neutrophils) to kill bacteria, which is crucial in infected, necrotic areas.
Promotes Healing and Regeneration: HBOT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and collagen production, allowing the body to regenerate tissue and heal wounds.
Prevents Reperfusion Injury:
HBOT helps to prevent the severe tissue damage that occurs when blood flow returns to previously deprived areas (reperfusion injury).
So as you can see Toro will immensely benefit from Hyperbaric treatment. It will allow his foot to heal while further assisting his other underlying condition, IVDD, cataract surgery (post 2 weeks) loss of body mass and loss or thinning of coat.
Stay tuned to see how Toro's foot is healing.
Go Team Toro. 🐾
