Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

DMSO

From: Tammy

Jessica,

Hello. I just recently subscribed to your list after reviewing your archives and couldn't wait to ask you a few questions. Your advice is sound and straight-forward and I look forward to your upcoming posts.

I have three questions today. The first is in regards to the use of DMSO on horses. I am a molecular biology technician and have always taken precautions in the handling of DMSO as it is a narcotic and is heavily absorbed into the skin. At high concentrations, it can cause central nervous system damage as well as mutagenic and reproductive effects in lab animals. I've questioned the use in horses and wonder what your opinion is.

Hi Tammy -- thanks for the kind words. I've separated your query into three parts, for the sake of clarity ( and ease of archiving).

DMSO is used very widely in the horse industry -- and sometimes used too much, too often, and inappropriately. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a solvent for hydrocarbons, salts, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Because it penetrates body tissues quickly, and can "carry" other medications and substances with it, DMSO can be very useful for veterinarians. It can be used as a short-term topical application in conjunction with corticosteroids, for instance, if a horse is suffering from a non-infectious acute inflammation; or with antibiotics, which it will also carry through the skin and underlying tissues. And DMSO has some analgesic effects of its own, as well as some antibacterial and antifungal properties. But you're right, it's something to be used short-term, with great caution, and ALWAYS on the advice of, and in the way suggested by, a veterinarian.

Non-professionals can cause great damage to their horses by using DMSO inappropriately (on an open wound, or over a blister or liniment -- or over ANYTHING that shouldn't be carried into the body, and this includes applying DMSO to a dirty leg!). And you're right, it's a rubber-glove item: anyone who doesn't use rubber gloves while applying DMSO will effectively be applying DMSO to himself as well, and anything that's on that person's hands will be carried into his body along with the DMSO. And when you taste garlic, it's too late -- that means that the DMSO is already in your bloodstream.

The FDA has approved DMSO specifically for the reduction of swelling due to trauma, and used properly, by a veterinarian, and on a short-term basis, it is very useful FOR THAT PURPOSE. Many trainers, especially at the racetrack, deal altogether too casually with DMSO. It's not meant to be used in breeding animals, and it DOES cause birth defects. And if your horse is a show horse, and you show under AHSA No Foreign Substance rules, then DMSO is not allowed.

- Jessica

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