Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Dimethyl Sulfoxide, often referred to in the equine industry as DMSO, is a product derived from the manufacturing of paper. DMSO is considered an NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It inhibits the body’s inflammatory process, reducing pain and swelling. DMSO is also a destroyer of free radicals, or unstable molecules that cause damage to healthy cells in the body, that are often produced by inflammation.
When inflammation produces free radicals, there will be additional inflammation and swelling which then increases the production of more free radicals. This vicious cycle continues and compounds the pain and damage associated with inflammation. DMSO has the ability to slow down or block this compounding effect by binding with free radical molecules to disable their damaging effects.
In addition to being an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, its unique properties allow it to travel quickly through cell membranes without damaging tissue.
Other Uses for DMSO
DMSO is approved by the FDA for use by veterinarians to treat pain and inflammation due to arthritis, muscle sprain or strain,and spinal cord injuries when applied to the skin. But veterinarians use DMSO to treat more than just joint pain and inflammation. It may also be used intravenously to:
- Treat tying up and muscle cramping
- Laminitis
- Neurologic disease
When used correctly, DMSO’s anti-inflammatory properties, along with its vast other uses, make it a powerhouse in equine medication.