DMSO Dog Arthritis Treatment

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a by-product of wood that occurs during the processing of the pulp. Sold in health food stores as a solvent, DMSO is a popular alternative treatment, sometimes recommended by veterinarians for degenerative joint disorders and muscle injuries in animals. Although the treatment is controversial, some veterinarians and dog owners find it helps the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. DMSO penetrates the skin very quickly and enters the bloodstream. It may assist in muscle relaxation and it may be effective as a nerve block and as a vessel dilator.

  1. Pain relief

    • DogDiseases.net advises that DMSO can be an effective treatment for the pain associated with canine arthritis, and that it works quickly to alleviate soreness in the muscles and tissues surrounding an arthritic joint. Although DMSO is still undergoing FDA testing, your veterinarian may prescribe it for pain relief, to be applied at home to your dog.

    Inflammation

    • Arthritis in dogs may result in inflammation of the tissue surrounding the arthritic joint. DMSO, in a 1968 clinical study, decreased arthritic inflammation in laboratory animals. Reduction in the swelling of a dog's arthritic joints may offer him some relief and increase his ability to move without discomfort.

    Application

    • DMSO should be applied directly to the dog's clean skin, directly over the affected joint. Care must be taken not to apply DMSO if the dog has recently been treated with a flea powder or another chemical, since the systematic property of DMSO may draw the substance into the dog's bloodstream. The dog's owner or veterinarian should take care not to come into contact with the DMSO. In addition, repeated applications may cause temporary redness and stinging.

    Quality

    • Unfortunately, the quality of DMSO varies, since the FDA does not regulate the solvent's use. Medical-grade DMSO is available only by prescription from your veterinarian, but you may purchase the commercial-grade product in health food stores or online. For the best results, buy the highest concentration of DMSO from a reputable retailer. (See Resources.)

    MSM

    • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a less controversial, oxidized form of DMSO, sometimes referred to as DMSO2, and it may offer arthritis relief to some dogs in addition by relieving musculoskeletal inflammation. MSM is administered orally and the dosage depends upon your dog's weight. Consult your veterinarian for more information or a prescription for DMSO or MSM. (See Resources.)