Veterinary oxygen masks are being used in a new way to save lives
CHICAGO - 5/27/05 - Oxygen masks long used in veterinary medicine have been embraced by firefighters to prevent pets from smoke inhalation.
CHICAGO - 5/27/05 - Oxygen masks long used in veterinary medicine have been embraced by firefighters to prevent pets from smoke inhalation.
The masks create a better seal around the animal's snout increasing the chance of survival, firefighters say.
The masks are hooked to a tank that provides oxygen while firefighters lead the animal to safety.
Smiths Medical Veterinary Division manufactures the product and says the company has sold more masks in the past year than in the last 15 years due to the increased interest, according to The Kansas City Star.
Dr. David Brunson, anesthesiologist at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, attributes heightened interest in saving pets to the human-animal bond that has more pet owners demanding equal care for their pets.
Funding for the masks comes from humane agencies and private donations.
