Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)
Also known as: Domoso, Kemsol, Rheumabene, Rimso, Synotic, Rimso-50, DMSO
**Important Safety Guidelines for Pet Owners:** * **Use Only Prescribed Medical Grade:** Never use industrial or non-medical grades of DMSO (often found in hardware stores), as they may contain harmful impurities that the DMSO will carry directly into your pet's bloodstream. * **Protect Yourself:** **Always wear rubber gloves** when applying this medication. If it gets on your skin, you will absorb it and likely taste garlic in your mouth shortly after! * **Application:** Apply only to clean, dry skin using clean or sterile cotton. Do not mix with any other ointments, flea products, or chemicals without your veterinarian's explicit approval, as DMSO will pull those chemicals into the body. * **Odor:** It is completely normal for your pet to develop a strong garlic or oyster-like breath odor while on this medication. This will resolve once the medication is stopped. * **Storage & Handling:** Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling it or getting it in your eyes. It may damage certain fabrics. Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use, as it pulls moisture from the air and will dilute itself. Keep out of reach of children.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Acute swelling due to trauma
- Adjunctive treatment with surgical colics
- Acute rhabdomyolysis
- Adjunctive treatment for laminitis
- Acute swelling due to trauma
- Calcinosis cutis
- Persistent cases of hemorrhagic cystitis (secondary to cyclophosphamide tx)
- Extravasation of cytotoxic vesicant (e.g., doxorubicin)
- Haemorrhagic cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide
- Canine calcinosis cutis
- Renal amyloidosis
- Extravasation of cytotoxic vesicant
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Local 'burning', erythema, vesiculation, and dry skin (topical)
- Garlic or oyster-like breath odor
- Lenticular changes (myopia) with chronic high doses
- Hemolysis and hemoglobinuria (IV in horses, especially at >10% concentration or rapid administration)
- Diarrhea, muscle tremors, and colic (IV in horses)
- Rare hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity
Cautions & contraindications
- Mastocytomas (due to mast cell degranulation)
- Dehydration or shock (diuretic and vasodilatory effects may exacerbate)
- Pregnancy (teratogenic at high doses in some species; use with extreme caution)
- > **Handling Warning:** Always wear rubber gloves when applying topically. Apply with clean or sterile cotton to clean, dry skin to prevent carrying harmful impurities or environmental toxins into the systemic circulation. * **Masking Pathology:** Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity may mask existing pathology. * **IV Administration:** In horses, administer IV slowly and at concentrations of 10% (maximum 20%) to minimize hemolysis and hemoglobinuria. * **Odor:** Owners should be warned about the strong garlic/oyster breath odor that develops shortly after administration, regardless of route.
Drug interactions
- Organophosphates / Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Avoid concurrent use due to DMSO's anticholinesterase activity.
- Mercury salts: Can cause fatal mercury intoxication if mixed and applied topically.
- Alcohol: DMSO inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase and may prolong the effects of alcohol.
- Insulin: May be potentiated by DMSO.
- Corticosteroids: May be potentiated by DMSO.
- Atropine: May be potentiated by DMSO.
- Topical toxins or other topical medications: Profound enhancement of systemic absorption of the co-administered substance, potentially leading to systemic toxicity.
- Dexrazoxane: DMSO may decrease the activity and efficacy of dexrazoxane; concurrent use should be discouraged.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) used for in pets?
**Important Safety Guidelines for Pet Owners:** * **Use Only Prescribed Medical Grade:** Never use industrial or non-medical grades of DMSO (often found in hardware stores), as they may contain harmful impurities that the DMSO will carry directly into your pet's bloodstream. * **Protect Yourself:** **Always wear rubber gloves** when applying this medication. If it gets on your skin, you will absorb it and likely taste garlic in your mouth shortly after! * **Application:** Apply only to clean, dry skin using clean or sterile cotton. Do not mix with any other ointments, flea products, or chemicals without your veterinarian's explicit approval, as DMSO will pull those chemicals into the body. * **Odor:** It is completely normal for your pet to develop a strong garlic or oyster-like breath odor while on this medication. This will resolve once the medication is stopped. * **Storage & Handling:** Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling it or getting it in your eyes. It may damage certain fabrics. Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use, as it pulls moisture from the air and will dilute itself. Keep out of reach of children.
Is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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