Primarily, DMSO is used as a penetrant. It combines seamlessly with other medications and when so mixed and rubbed into the animal’s flesh, the DMSO and the medication will permeate the skin at the site of the application taking the medication through protective layers of skin into the animal. When the veterinarian topically applies the DMSO/medication mixture in this manner, DMSO carries the medicine passing through tissue, and bone/blood/brain barriers quickly, without injection or IV administration.
It is better to use DMSO as the carrier of medicine, especially if it may be problematic to administer the medication by injection, IV, or even orally.
It is common for a veterinarian to use DMSO as an anti-inflammatory for any type of animal. You will find it is being applied topically to the area where the animal might be experiencing arthritic or pain, especially joint pain.
DMSO may be used to treat infections or infectious diseases in animals as it is a natural anti-bacterial and antiviral agent. It may also be used if your pet is battling cancer.
When DMSO is applied as an analgesic, it can offer an animal tremendous pain relief when applied to the site of pain.
If time, space, locations, and circumstance prohibit the use of traditional antibiotic dissemination, then DMSO’s antiviral and antibacterial can prove most valuable as a first round in pet treatment.
DMSO has also proven effective for use with elder animals that are experiencing problems with mobility.
Side Effects
Depending on an animal’s skin sensitivity, the skin at the site of the application may become disturbed, may turn red, and start to itch, causing the animal to scratch the area where the DMSO has been applied. Experienced veterinarians will know how to adjust the mix to reduce skin irritation.
The same goes for if your animal experiences an allergic reaction to the DMSO usage. An animal that is allergic may display symptoms of respiratory problems, including labored breathing, or other signs of allergy such as swelling or hives.
If you notice your animal suffering from a potential allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian and report the details as soon as you notice said reaction. The sooner the better.
In Summation
DMSO is used in many ways ny veterinarians in the care and treatment of all kinds of animals, including pets and farm animals. Veterinarians are authorized to administer the solvent in the treatment of horses, but may use DMSO to treat other animals as well. When used as a carrier, it can increase the efficacy of other medications and increase the options for administering said medications.
Your veterinarian can help advise you regarding the appropriateness of using DMSO in your pet’s care. Always consult your veterinarian prior to using any potentially harmful formula in your pet’s care program. Follow instructions carefully and contact your veterinarian if you see any of the warning signs, such as skin rash or irritation, which may indicate an allergic reaction, or the formula may need to be altered in your pet’s best interest.
Notable Mention:
Oregon State University found that poultry whose diet contained 25 parts per million DMSO gained weight faster than others whose diet did not. Accordingly, these concentrations were used in experiments to determine if DMSO would increase digestibility and digestive enzyme activity.