That’s all. I’m curious if Surpass gives significantly better results for taking down swelling in a stifle or hock.
Well, Surpass is a topical NSAID and has an approved human form that has passed the FDA for the intended anti-inflammatory use. DMSO is an industrial solvent that has only a popular anecdotal fan base. Based on this data, I’d go with Surpass - if it was for me or my horse 
2 Likes
I always use Surpass for the exact reasons that Lusoluv stated above.
1 Like
Yup! What she said.
Now, to be fair, there is SOME evidence of DMSO’s anti-inflammatory effect. Like so:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4816398/
But, this line from that paper really sums it up:
Despite its widespread use, there is a paucity of data regarding its safety and efficacy as well as its mechanism of action in human cells.
There is just not enough evidence to support using it instead of Surpass. Especially since normal people don’t have access to medical grade DMSO and the industrial solvent we CAN get may carry additional risks.
2 Likes
I never had much success with Surpass.
Never had any success with Surpass either. Nor with DMSO.
DMSO’ medical grade’ for human use is available. I used that on myself and felt no improvement either.
The only way I’d use DMSO is as a carrier for what you really want in there, something like dex. A dex/dmso mix is (or was) common for swelling (just not a good idea for IR horses).
1 Like
For a capped hock, I had luck with clear leg paint – steroid & DMSO. But, as JB said – DMSO is only the carrier. The steroid certainly did the most work.
I’d love to try surpass… but the price! Eeks.
Yes, that combo was really common for capped hocks (used it for that). I also used it for a torn flexor tendon sheath that had swelling and heat, no weight-bearing lameness but did cause a slight leg flight deviation (outward pattern). That one was on a white leg/pink skin, and whether that had any bearing on the scurffing, I don’t know, but DMSO can cause that, so something to be watchful for if/when using it.
1 Like
Diclofenac sodium (Surpass) works great for ME, but I don’t know so much about horses really. One of my vets gets a compounded thing that has I think mostly Surpass, DMSO, Ketoprofen, and lidocaine that is quite effective, especially when used under a bandage. I believe the DMSO is a carrier.
