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QUESTIONNAIRE TO DOCTORS OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
The House Select Committee on Aging conducted a survey regarding the use of
DMSO by veterinarians. A random sample of 250 veterinarians was selected from
across the nation.
Of the 134 (54 percent) who responded, 94 or 70 percent had used or prescribed
DMSO in their practice. Of these, 85 or 90 percent believed it to be effective in
reducing inflammation, pain or other arthritic symptoms in animals. Seventy-five,
or 80 percent of those who used the drug believed from their experience in animals
that DMSO would be safe and effective for humans.
Some of the symptoms for which the veterinarians used DMSO were: tendonitis,
lameness, musculo-skeletal disorders, bruises, arthritic joints, acute inflammation and
swelling, chronic inflammation in ear canal, edema, sprains, strains, mastitus,
laminitus, splints and other leg injuries in horses, cattle and dogs, intravenously for
head injuries in dogs, to relieve spinal pressure due to ruptured interverbral discs and
as a carrier for other medications.
Following are comments from the doctors of veterinary medicine:
R. C., Wichita Falls, Tex.-"I firmly believe it is efficacious in acute trauma in
humans. I have used it on myself one or two times over a 24 hour period when
needed over a bruised or traumatized area (over chin bone), etc., I have no experi-
ence with long term use of DMSO on myself or anyone else.'
L. R., Detroit, Mich.-"Use with care and good judgment. It is absorbed quickly
into system and may be objectionable to humans, i.e., taste."
H. B., Augusta, Ga.-"It can cause undesirable reactions under certain conditions.
This would require close supervision by physician and is probably the reason it has
not been approved for human use. However, this is true of many medications that
are in general use by physicians, only on prescription basis."
W. H., Chattanooga, Tenn.-"DMSO may be used as a vehicle via which cortisone,
anesthesia or other medications may be introduced without injections."
M. C., Jackson, Tenn.-"In daily use of this drug, we often contact the material
ourselves. After 10 years of use, regularly, we show no ill effects, personally. DMSO
is no panacea, but should be ok'd for human use."
L. B., Austin, Tex.-"Haven't used it personally. I know of humans with arthritis
who have used it with good results. Side effects-garlic breath."
L. D., Topeka, Kans.-"Have always been puzzled at the slowness with which it
has hit the human field. Have used it on myself for arthritis of hand and fingers as
well as tennis elbow. Only side effect noted was skin tingling when it was applied
too viqorously."
J. L., Napa, Calif.-"In my experience (5 years), I have observed no adverse
reactions to DMSO, either in the "Medical Grade" or in the Industrial Grade which
I dilute with liquid nitrofurazone. I have used it on myself on several occasions. I
feel that the drug has shown sufficient effectiveness in both animals and humans to
warrant use in persons suffering from such a debilitating condition as arthritis."
W. G., Harrisburg, Pa.-"Because of the messy application and odor, it is usually
a third or fourth choice drug in my practice. The reduction in swelling in acute
injuries is spectacular, the relief from pain (antra-articular) due to swelling is
marked. I have found no appreciable benefit in chronic arthritis."
M. M., Virginia Beach, Va.-"I have found DMSO to be an outstanding anti-
inflammatory agent but have not had the opportunity to note any pain killing
properties. I also avoid contact with it since it is readily absorbed through the skin
and is reputedly cataractogenic to humans."
E. C., Cranston, R. I.-"DMSO has been used for horses and dogs routinely and
safely. I have used it for my arthritis with no ill effects or side reactions."
P. G., Pasadena, Tex.-"Stupid that it is not used in humans. I think entrenched
interests have headed it off."
J. T., Clarks Summit, Pa.-"I have used this drug for many years-on all classes
of animals and on my own body where indicated. I would not hesitate to recommend
it for humans but under close medical attention because overdose or misuse can
cause sever irritation."
G. W., Salem, Oreg.-"Overall, I think the body of research data available on the
effectiveness of DMSO is more than adequate to support its use on human disease."
B. F., Cheyenne, Wyo.-"I feel the drug has tremendous potential and should be
released for extensive use."
L. E., Boise, Idaho-"I have used it on myself and members of my family for joint
soreness and burns. It has helped on some cases, other times it has not been
effective."
J. B., Albuquerque, N. Mex.-"I have used DMSO two or three times on myself
when joints were inflamed due to trauma, and it seemed to help."
S. S., Kansas City, Mo.-"I would be concerned with what DMSO was carrying
into the blood stream as it penetrates the skin. There is a distinct possibility that
