[pct-l] Hiking with Arthritis/use of DSMO

[ECPG at peoplepc.com (Carolyn Eddy)]

The directions for treating snakebite with DMSO is to put lots of it it all 
around, but not in, the actual bite. Reapply every hour or so for the first 
few hours. Apparently this keeps it from swelling and slows down the rate of 
absorption. Veterinary DMSO can be purchased in a roll-on (like deodorant) 
or gel type which makes it easier to apply to a spcific area. Another 
interesting thing about DMSO is that it freezes solid at about 65 degrees 
farenheit, making it necessary to put in your armpit or other warm area to 
thaw it out. It doesn't hurt it any to freeze it but of course it won't come 
out of the tube frozen. It also leaves a nasty taste in your mouth like 
oysters combined with garlic. A horse that has had an IV treatment with DMSO 
is smellable from several feet away.

Further directions are to put a constricting band on the heart side of the 
bite, that is between and close to the bite and the heart to help slow down 
absorption. This is not a tourniquet, just a pressure type bandage, to slow 
down the absorption.

Again, I have never done this but this is what we put in our goat first aid 
book on the recommendation of a vet in Texas who deals with many animals who 
have been bitten.

Again, YMMV. Proceed at your own risk, etc.

Carolyn Eddy
"Sweet Goat Mama"
www.goattracksmagazine.com