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  Discussion on DSMO and EPM treatment
Author Message
New Member:
Workman

Posted on Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 - 11:49 am:

My 18 year-old thoroughbred gelding recently started treatment for EPM (Marquis). The vet used by the barn where I board him suggested giving him DSMO along with the Marquis to improve the treatment. My vet, who I've used since I bought my horse 3 years ago, adamantly opposed use of DSMO. I went with her suggestion because I trust her judgment and know that she always has the best interest of the horse at heart. But I'm confused about why there would be such dramatically different opinions about the use of DSMO with EPM treatment. Can you shed some light?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 - 5:19 pm:

Hello Sharon,
DMSO has some anti-inflammatory actions and, unlike many of our other antiinflammatories, can quickly and easily get into the central nervous system compartment. The problem is a lack of clear studies showing a benefit. You can find small studies that suggest positive, negative and no effect at all. It all depends on which you believe. None of the research or published case studies involve horses and always involves acute head trauma, not the type damage done by protozal myelitis. There is no work currently to suggest this might have helped your horse or even what dosage regimen might be helpful.
DrO
Member:
Westks

Posted on Monday, Nov 17, 2003 - 11:57 am:

I will put my 2 cents in here,but please know that Dr O is correct there are no good quality clinical studies on DMSO.
With that said I am convinced when my filly got bit by rattler using it in IV saved us from having to cut and insert breathing tube.
I buy both liquid and gel for the horses and use it on my back, neck and knees almost daily for instant pain relief. Now I smell like a garlic factory but could care a less when I feel the pain lift away so quickly.
I strongly believe in its use both IV and topically for certain things.
You will not find a veterinarian that will put reputation on line in favor of its use. However many do suggest use for certain treatments.
All the major commercial sports people(NBA<NFL<ect.) have used it for years in sports medicine.
If I were in your situation and hadn't ever used it, with EPM I think I would try it.
With the Rattle Snake bite I had no time to think it over so I just wanted to save her life at the time.
Member:
Deggert

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 - 3:07 pm:

I have had a couple instances where IV DMSO was used. One about 15 years ago for a suspected
cervical trauma,possibly EPM, We treated this
10 month old filly with all the guns which at the time included pyromethamine(sp?) IV dmso, steroids
de-worming in case of migrating larvae, you name it Oh and smz's. Long story short, she survived
became my show horse and is now my broodmare.
the other incident more recently was for my 22
year old at the time she had chronic laminites
and iv dmso was one of the drugs we used for the
first day treatment. She is also alive and well
four years later with no other incidents. I believe when my foal was born and was septic shortly after birth that dmso was one of the
treatments, maybe they were covering dummy foal
but he was not one. He is fine too.
Member:
Workman

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 - 3:28 pm:

Dr. O,
From the research you summarized, sounds like I made the right decision to forego the DSMO. It is interesting to hear, though, that Janette and Debbie had such positive experiences. I can see why there is confusion out there about its use. I'm just hoping the Marquis does the trick and my wonderful horse regains his health so I can ride him again. Thank you for your quick response. And thanks, too, to Janette and Debbie for your comments.
Member:
Deggert

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 - 3:46 pm:

You are welcome At the time there was no
test for epm except on necropsy 1984, but 2 other vets conferred with mine and we decided she was a cervical trauma and not EPM This other vet had done extensive research on neurological condtions
and she did not have the typical lack of proprioception etc that epms have. Good luck
with your horse Sharon
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2003 - 8:20 pm:

Wow, the stories about DMSO make me wonder why I'm not using this topically on my gelding's arthritic joints rather than feeding him NSAIDs. Is it worth a try?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 - 9:12 am:

Debbie you may have overinterpreted my remarks. We do not know if it might have helped your horse and there is currently no scientific support for its use.

As you might imagine Melissa, we have an article on this at, Equine Medications and Nutriceuticals » Anti-inflammatories: NSAID's, Steroids, and Arthritis Treatment » DMSO.
DrO
Member:
Deggert

Posted on Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 - 3:07 pm:

Dr O
I love all the posts and I read all of them (between working of course)
I do not know the whys or why nots of DMSo use,
I was just relaying that it has been used on my horses and I never got the impression at the time
that it was optional or controversial. Maybe the vets feel it may help and can't hurt but that would be alot of assumption on my part. In all instances we were in serious circumstances- I hope
I don't need it again. Thanks again, Debbie
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