How Virginia Tech Is Using VetFlex Oxygen Cage Technology to Transform Veterinary Oxygen Care
When an animal is in critically condition, seconds matter—and so does the environment they’re recovering in.
That’s why we’re incredibly proud to announce that the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech has officially installed the VetFlex ICU oxygen cage system in their state-of-the-art Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Designed to replace outdated oxygen cages and improvised enclosures, our ICUs are now part of the advanced care protocol for pets with respiratory distress and other serious conditions.
This installation not only marks a huge step forward for animal health at Virginia Tech, but it also represents a broader shift in how veterinary hospitals across the country are approaching oxygen therapy for dogs, cats, and small animals.
Why Virginia Tech Chose VetFlex
Virginia Tech’s decision to install VetFlex wasn’t just about tech—it was about better outcomes for patients.
When it came time to upgrade their ICU capabilities, Virginia Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital sought a solution that combined clinical precision, animal comfort, and educational value. After evaluating the limitations of legacy systems—including traditional and soda lime-based oxygen cage units—the team selected VetFlex to meet the needs of both patients and practitioners.
What stood out most to the faculty and hospital staff was VetFlex’s 100% soda lime-free operation and smart oxygen control system, which automatically adjusts oxygen flow and monitors CO₂ buildup in real time—without requiring frequent soda lime tray changes or guesswork. This was especially important in critical cases like canine pneumonia, feline asthma, or post-surgical recovery, where the margin for error is razor-thin.
“The [VetFlex] ICU allows us to give precise, customized care to each patient… It’s an incredible tool for animals with severe respiratory disease or in post-op recovery.”
Table of Content
The Problem With Traditional Veterinary Oxygen Cages
For decades, traditional oxygen cages—like those offered by Snyder—have served as the go-to solution in veterinary oxygen therapy. They were an important step forward from improvised oxygen enclosures and set the early standards for care.However, as technology and clinical needs have advanced, newer ICU systems are now addressing several key limitations of these legacy designs.
For example, many traditional systems rely on a closed-loop setup with soda lime for CO₂ scrubbing. While effective, this method requires ongoing manual replacement, can be labor-intensive, and poses safety concerns if not closely monitored. These systems also typically offer limited real-time feedback on environmental conditions such as oxygen levels, CO₂ buildup, humidity, and temperature.
Construction materials vary as well. Units built with synthetic laminate and aluminum can be more challenging to sterilize thoroughly over time and may not match the long-term durability of medical grade stainless steel—especially in high-throughput clinical settings. Noise from internal fans or pumps may also contribute to patient stress, particularly in sensitive or critical care cases.
Additional challenges may include:
- Manual soda lime replacement for CO₂ control
- Limited metrics for real-time ICU monitoring
- Higher operational noise
- Non-stainless materials that may degrade or retain microbes
- Passive heating solutions that may contribute to humidity condensation and reduced visibility from fogging.
- More Expensive
While traditional cage systems have played a key role in advancing veterinary oxygen therapy, the needs of modern critical care—especially for respiratory and ICU cases—require more precision, automation, and patient-centered design.
That’s where VetFlex steps in.
Enter VetFlex: A Smarter ICU for Dogs, Cats, and Beyond
At VetFlex, we’ve reimagined the veterinary ICU from the ground up.
Our systems are more than just your average canine oxygen cage—they’re highly advanced, easy to use, durable, thoughtfully engineered, and built to support the entire recovery process. We’ve developed the first ventilation-based veterinary ICU system that eliminates the need for soda lime, thanks to advanced CO₂ regulation and real-time oxygen controls.
Each unit includes:
- Completely soda-lime free operation. Eliminating the need for swapping out soda lime trays mid-recovery.
- Advanced Oxygen Autopilot which controls the oxygen to maintain the desired levels
- Smart sensors for oxygen, CO₂, humidity, and temperature
- Advanced ion sterilization for self sterilization
- Super durable medical grade stainless steel chamber
- A sound-insulated construction (<40 dB), which makes it about as quiet as a whisper from 5 feet away
- Calming blue light therapy to reduce patient anxiety
VetFlex gives clinicians full control over every critical environmental factor—temperature, oxygen, humidity, and CO₂—all monitored and adjusted in real time. With twice the warranty and a lower cost than many legacy systems, it’s a leap forward in ICU care—delivering cutting-edge performance without the premium price tag.
What Makes Our Veterinary Oxygen Cage Different?
Let’s break it down with a quick side-by-side:
| Feature | VetFlex ICU Oxygen Cage | Other Oxygen Cages |
|---|---|---|
| OXYGEN/CO₂ CONTROL | 100% Soda Lime-Free Operation! Smart Oxygen Autopilot controls the flow to keep desired settings |
Expensive, High Maintenance, & Requires Guesswork/Frequent Tray Changes |
| CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL | Durable Medical Grade Stainless Steel | Laminated Particleboard & Aluminum |
| ENVIRONMENT CONTROL | Full convection based A/C heats AND cools (just like your house) | Heated floors and cooling coils which frequently lead to humidity fog up problems |
| STERILIZATION | Advanced Ion Sterilization self sterilizes the chamber | Not Available |
| ENERGY EFFICIENCY | Super Efficient 10A System | Requires a Dedicated 20A Circuit |
| BACKUP BATTERY | 30 Minute Backup Battery Included | Not Available |
| WARRANTY | Industry Leading 2 Years | 1 Year Warranty |
With the VetFlex oxygen cage; veterinary hospitals, emergency clinics, and ICU teams can eliminate oxygen guesswork and makeshift setups—allowing them to focus on what matters most: patient care.
Raising the Standard of Veterinary Care in Higher Education
At Virginia Tech, our ICU technology is supporting both clinical cases and hands-on learning for veterinary students. But they’re not alone—Mississippi State University, and University of Florida have all brought VetFlex oxygen cage into their hospitals or teaching labs to help elevate the quality of oxygen therapy for dogs, cats, and small animals.
What makes VetFlex especially valuable in an academic setting is its educational transparency—students and residents can see, understand, and adjust every aspect of the critical care environment. That makes it not just a tool for treatment, but a teaching platform for the next generation of veterinarians.
To support these efforts, VetFlex offers special educational pricing and institutional discounts for veterinary colleges, teaching hospitals, and research universities. Whether you’re outfitting a new clinical skills lab or upgrading an existing ICU suite, our team works directly with university procurement and faculty to make high-performance care accessible and affordable.
Interested in bringing VetFlex to your clinic or teaching hospital?
Conclusion
As more veterinary schools and hospitals make the switch from outdated oxygen cages to intelligent, responsive ICU systems, VetFlex is proud to be leading the change. Our oxygen cage is helping veterinary professionals and students deliver safer, more precise care to animals when it matters most.
Whether you’re managing a busy emergency clinic, training the next generation of veterinarians, or upgrading your existing equipment, VetFlex offers a modern solution to an old problem. Our ventilation-based oxygen cages, real-time monitoring, and stress-reducing ICU environments are setting a new benchmark in the field.
Helpful Links:
VetFlex ROI Calculator - See how quickly your ICU unit can pay for itself though cost savings and improved patient outcomes.
Request A Quote - Ready to upgrade your ICU capabilities? Request a custom quote today and let our team match you with the perfect VetFlex oxygen cage solution for your practice or institution.
VetFlex Models - Browse our full range of VetFlex Oxygen Cage Models.
VetFlex ICU Video Library - Explore the VetFlex Video Library for product demonstrations, setup guides, and expert walkthroughs that show how our ICU units work in real-world veterinary settings.
If you want to read more about Virginia Tech's VetFlex oxygen cage installation, you can read the original VT article here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weight limit for the VetFlex ICU?
There’s no specific weight limit for the VetFlex oxygen cage thanks to its durable stainless steel construction. In practice, you’ll reach a size limit before ever approaching a weight limit.
Our general guideline: if the patient can comfortably fit inside the chamber, the unit can support them. The design is built for strength, safety, and long-term use in clinical environments.
What kind of regular maintenance is required?
One of the best features of the VetFlex oxygen cage is its exceptionally low maintenance. The only regular upkeep required is cleaning the removable stainless steel mesh fur filter, which naturally collects hair and dander over time.
Most clinics find they only need to clean the filter once every 3–4 weeks, depending on patient volume. The best part? After a quick rinse with water, the filter is as good as new—no replacement parts, no complicated cleaning steps.
How often do I need to calibrate?
Unlike the Snyder oxygen cage which requires calibration every time, VetFlex ICUs only require a minor calibration when the sensor does not read 21% upon startup procedures, which saves so much time!
What kind of oxygen sources does the VetFlex ICU support?
The VetFlex oxygen cage can support the entire range of oxygen sources including Centralized Oxygen, Oxygen Generators, and Tanked Oxygen with a Regulator.
Do you guys offer installation and training?
Although it's definitely not required due to the easy-to-use use nature of our machine and detailed resources, VetFlex does offer installation and training services at a reasonable add-on price.
How quickly can I receive my oxygen cage?
VetFlex oxygen cages are regularly in stock and ready to ship across the country from our 2 warehouses.
Do you guys offer education pricing for higher education or institutions?
Absolutely. We offer special educational pricing and bulk discounts for veterinary teaching hospitals and academic institutions.