Veterinary practices

Various medical gases are used in veterinary facilities such as practices and clinics, depending on the type of animal, form of therapy and practice size:

• Medical oxygen
• Medical nitrous oxide
• Medical liquid nitrogen
• Medical carbon dioxide
• Synthetic air
• Argon

Legal framework

The use and approval of medical gases in veterinary medicine is regulated by EU Regulation 2019/6, which has been in force in all EU member states since January 28, 2022. In Germany, it was transposed into national law by the Veterinary Medicinal Products Act.

In principle, medicinal products for human use, including medical gases, may only be used in veterinary medicine if no authorized veterinary medicinal product is available for the animal species or indication in question (Art. 112b EU 2019/6). This so-called reclassification must be based on a veterinary prescription and is subject to strict documentation and testing requirements.

The legal situation ensures that medicinal gases may only be used in veterinary medicine under clearly defined conditions and with a high level of quality and safety - to protect animal health, users and the environment.