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  Discussion on PENNSAID
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Member:
frances

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 22, 2011 - 1:25 pm:

Has anyone had any experience with the above (new) topical anti-inflammatory? It appears to combine Surpass with DMSO, and my vet has recommended to a friend of mine that she try it on her horse's advanced ringbone.

Here is a link: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20100426/Covidien-introduces-PENNSAID-to-the-US -market.aspx
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 27, 2011 - 9:37 am:

Hello LL,
I have not tried this med but the addition of DMSO would be expected to increase the penetration of the NSAID. Considering the human medicine take on DMSO I am surprised this got US approval for people.
DrO
Member:
lrhughes

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 - 2:18 pm:

DMSO has been approved for some uses in people, especially in chelation to remove heavy metals. It is not toxic in itself according to much research, and evidence has shown that in cases of spinal cord injury injection of DMSO into the spinal column can quickly reduce the swelling that is often a major cause of paralysis. It comes from tree sap and is used often in horses for reducing swelling. It has little analgesic effect, but perhaps it helps remove fluid accumulation. Since its a skin penetrating liquid/gel that can carry other materials through the skin, sites of use should be clean. It can also cause skin to 'burn" if the concentration is too strong. I use it myself on sprains and it takes them down rapidly if applied fairly early. Some people use it for psoriasis with an NSAID to reduce inflammatory responses. It isn't a wonder drug but can be useful. I don't know anything about PENNSAID.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 - 6:37 pm:

Hello LRH,
Though its use is widespread for treating cranial trauma the benefit remains controversial. There are several mechanisms of toxicity with DMSO. Hemolysis being an important one with too rapid an IV administration or too high a concentration. DMSO is also known to cause several different types of contact dermatitis reactions in some individuals and in most individuals when used in high concentrations or over a long period of time.

Otherwise we have an article that says pretty much the same thing you do LRH at HorseAdvice.com » Treatments and Medications for Horses » Anti-inflammatories (NSAID's, Steroids, Arthritis Rx) » DMSO. There is more information there on both it's uses and possible complications.
DrO
Member:
lrhughes

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 - 8:08 pm:

Thanks for the information Dr. O.
I'm aware of the skin irritation/concentration issues, and appreciate the update on hemolysis if delivery is to high a concentration or too rapidly done. I'll check your site. This is a subject I haven't looked into for a long time. My step dad, a doc., did research on DMSO many years ago. Its effects seemed potentially valuable to me as a way to quickly slow swelling in some cases. A few years ago I read a comment by one person (insignificant I know), who tried DMSO at varying strengths with Aspirin and found one that greatly reduced the facial psoriasis he was suffering. I've merely used it for swelling on myself or my horses when mildly injured in the mountains. LRH
LRH
Member:
frances

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 - 1:15 am:

According to my friend's vet, who is my vet too, PENNSAID is not therapeutic but only analgesic (he first recommended topical DMSO for the ringbone, but my friend had reservations about using it).
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 - 7:22 am:

The thought behind the DMSO is that it has antiinflammatory properties by scavenging radical oxides formed during metabolism and inflammation that then turn around and do further damage to the tissue. There may be other antiinflammatory reactions. What effects these may have at slowing down arthritic changes when applied topically or systemically is unknown. It should be noted the main reason for its presence in this product is to help drive the NSAID deeper into the tissues to reach the joint. Used properly NSAID's can slow the progress of osteoarthritis but as we all know there are no cures for advanced arthritis.
DrO
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