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  Discussion on Use od DSMO
Author Message
Member:
dakotab

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013 - 7:21 pm:

My horse was kicked and his triplex atrophied. One vet blistered the muscle and put him on previcox inhibiter, but it did not seem to do much. Which he said might not work but if I saw any development to let him know and he would try it again in 6 mo.
My local vet suggested DSMO and to massage it. But I read on your site from one person that I should not massage it. Is this a problem? I have not read where you said anything about that. Or maybe I am not looking at the right place.
Member:
paul303

Posted on Thursday, Oct 17, 2013 - 12:08 am:

I've used DMSO for many years. I agree that you should not massage it in. A lot depends on how thick your horse's coat is. Many coats are now coming in heavy. If the area is not shaved, then you should apply carefully. If shaved, dab it on without rubbing it in. If the horse shows any sensitivity, like stomping or flicking the leg, rinse the DMSO off copiously and immediately with a hose, until the horse is comfortable. DMSO only needs about 30 seconds of contact to work. If it was my horse, I would apply AM and PM. But that would entail constantly watching for a sensitivity reaction and being ready to rinse off, and rinse off heavily.
Member:
dakotab

Posted on Thursday, Oct 17, 2013 - 3:19 pm:

Thank You Lee, He is a thin skin horse, but very well behaved, so he only shows a little discomfort and dances around a bit.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Oct 17, 2013 - 6:04 pm:

Hello Hilma,
DMSO can be irritating to some horses and massage may increase this. See the article on DMSO associated with this discussion area for our recommendations on use.
DrO
Member:
dakotab

Posted on Friday, Oct 18, 2013 - 12:00 pm:

Thank You Dr. O I will also try diluting the DSMO with water.
Member:
paul303

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2013 - 2:02 am:

Be very careful diluting DMSO with water. Sometimes it can make the DMSO burn more. It's best to stroke it on ONCE. Then watch for sensitivity. If the horse starts to stomp or exhibit irritation, then rinse heavily and immediately. Remember, it only takes about 30 seconds to penetrate. Then, when you rinse it off, it is comfortable AND it has already done it's job.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2013 - 7:33 am:

Lee, medical grade DMSP does not burn chemically. There is a physical warming when placed on the skin as it mixes with the water that is on and in the skin. Premixing with water and then allowing it to cool lessens this reaction for a given volume of treatment. Skin reactions are reported with DMSO but are believed to be due to problems with other chemicals present including contaminants in industrial grade DMSO, allergic reactions, or the drying action of the DMSO itself. All of these would lessen by diluting with water first and then allowing the mixture to cool before application but this is explained in the article. Now that medical grades of DMSO are avaliable it is recommended you use those.
DrO
Member:
dakotab

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2013 - 2:45 pm:

I really appreciate all the information, We have only used DSMO on a hematoma that was really bad. So I do not have a lot of experience with it.
I have stopped massaging it in and he seems more comfortable.
Member:
paul303

Posted on Friday, Nov 1, 2013 - 7:55 pm:

Yes, Dr.O, you're 100% right. But a lot of people get their DMSO at the feed store or Tractor Supply and it is the industrial grade. To those not familiar with the industrial grade, the medical grade...the roll-on or the gel, is probably the best bet.

If someone takes the time to research it, and read the books on it, then they might be able to handle the industrial grade. Neophytes should definitely stick to the medical grade. Safety is paramount.
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