How is Pandora?

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) has the benefit, and the problem, of being
easily absorbed through skin. It's accepted as a horse liniment, and
has at least one specialized use in human medicine.

It almost certainly has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but
there are two levels of safety concern. First, it may be toxic to the
liver and kidneys, but so can a lot of other drugs. If that were the
only consideration, it might be safe to use with blood monitoring.

The danger is that industrial-purity supplies may themselves contain
toxic impurities that the DMSO can carry into the body, or it may act
as a conduit to carry substances on the skin into the body. For
example, cyanide salts are not usually absorbed from the skin, but a
cyanide in DMSO solution can be quite dangerous -- an example from an
industrial use.

As a drug, it probably has a worse safety reputation than it really
warrants, as long as its purity is pharmaceutical grade, and the skin
where it is applied is cleaned thoroughly. If alcohol or other solvents
are used to clean the skin, they must evaporate completely before the
DMSO is applied.

I was suggesting veterinary-grade DMSO, which is very close to as pure as
pharmaceutical-grade and much cheaper.

My gran suggested I try cod-liver oil, but again, it's
persuading her to take the stuff!

Cod-liver oil is toxic for cats apparently, it can cause spinal
problems. Getting them to take it through isn't the problem- Sarrasine
tries to open the bottle

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs