How to Wrap a Horse's Leg With DMSO

Dimethyl-Sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, is a substance used for a variety of medical reasons. Primarily used for its ability to relieve inflammation, DMSO treats founder and relieves arthritic symptoms as well. DMSO can penetrate the skin quickly and take other substances with it such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. A sprain, ligament damage or other traumatic injury may cause excessive swelling and subsequent damage. Wrapping a horse's leg with DMSO can prevent further damage and enhance the healing process. Because it acts as a carrier, other ingredients such as nitrofurazone may added to the mixture, referred to as a sweat.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Sweating compound (DMSO and other ingredient if desired)
  • Lightweight plastic wrap
  • Sheet cotton, roll cotton, combine cotton, or leg quilts for padding.
  • Stretch gauze, stable wraps or stretch bandaging tape at least 2-3 inches wide for support
  • Stretch adhesive tape to protect, seal and secure the bandage
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Instructions

  1. Applying DMSO

    • 1
      Spray off the horse's leg prior to DMSO application.

      Wash or spray off the horse's leg. DMSO passes through the skin and can take dirt and debris with it. Therefore, it is important to start with a clean, dry leg.

    • 2
      Wear gloves when applying DMSO.

      Wear rubber gloves to apply DMSO. Otherwise, it will penetrate the skin and has an awful taste. Apply DMSO by itself or mixed with another ingredient if desired or directed by a veterinarian. Nitrofurazone may be added for inflammation or an antibiotic may be used for an infection. Make sure the leg is completely surrounded by the mixture.

    • 3

      Cover the leg with plastic wrap once the DMSO is applied. Keep layers as smooth and even as possible. Bunched up plastic wrap can cause further damage by putting uneven pressure on the tendons and ligaments.

    • 4

      Wrap padding of choice such as cotton batting or quilts around the plastic wrap. Place the padding on the inside or outside of the leg, pull counter-clockwise on the left leg and clockwise or the right. Ensure there is at least and inch or more of cotton or quilted padding. The padding must lie flat and wrinkle-free as well to eliminate uneven pressure points.

    • 5
      Secure wrap with gauze or stable wrap.

      Secure the padding with the bandaging tape, gauze, stable wrap or material of choice. Start with the wrap on the inside or outside of the leg and centered vertically. Pull the wrap clockwise for a right leg and counter-clockwise for the left leg. Keep steady pressure while spiraling toward the bottom of the leg. Overlap the previous wrap by two inches. Upon reaching the bottom, begin spiraling back upwards. Secure the wrap with tape if not using a wrap with Velcro or self-adhesive tape. Slip a finger underneath to make sure the wrap isn't too tight.

    • 6

      Prevent dirt and debris from getting inside the wrap by sealing off with an adhesive tape. Wrap the tape around the top and bottom of the bandage to seal the openings. The bandage should apply enough pressure to decrease swelling but not so tight that a finger can't slip underneath it easily.

    • 7
      Unwrap the leg every 12 hours.

      Remove the wrap every 12 hours and rinse the leg from DMSO and check injury. The leg can be left unwrapped for 12 hours. After inspection and reprieve from wrap, reapply DMSO and re-wrap