Wilkinson Farrier Services

06/07/2025

𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲: 𝐃𝐌𝐒𝐎

Let’s break it down: DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a byproduct of the wood industry, originally developed as an industrial solvent… and now it lives in nearly every barn in America.

So what’s it actually for?

• 𝘙𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 — especially from injury, bruising, or inflammation
• 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦 — including steroids or antibiotics
• 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 (like EPM or Wobblers, under vet supervision)
• 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 — for big-time inflammation cases (think colitis, neurological swelling, etc.)

But don’t just go slathering it on anything swollen.

DMSO is potent. It absorbs instantly — so if there’s dirt, bacteria, or another drug on the skin, it carries all of that straight into the bloodstream too. You need to be clean, cautious, and ideally… consulting your vet.

Oh, and that garlic taste you get in your mouth just from applying it to your horse? Totally normal. Weird, but normal.

𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐓 𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐈𝐓:
• On open wounds
• On dirty or unwashed skin
• With meds you haven’t cleared with a vet
• On yourself if you’re pregnant/nursing — seriously

Used right? DMSO can be a total game-changer.
Used wrong? You might be in for a surprise vet visit (and a weird aftertaste).

𝐃𝗼𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐗 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞
xxequine.com | (940) 514-9500

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Matthew Wimer is a well-loved and renowned farrier, veterinarian … MaRyka Smith needs your support for Support Matthew Wimer, DVM CJF and his family in crisis

11/06/2024

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring. If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.