Radiographs will be obtained to diagnose osteoarthritis. During the baseline and treatment phases of the trial, owners are required to maintain a written record of food consumption, treatment schedule, adverse reactions, any unusual circumstances. If the condition of a dog in the trial worsens, another treatment will be implemented and the dog will be taken off the study. MSM is classified as a nutritional supplement that promotes normal growth and repair mechanisms in the body. Fifteen percent of DMSO is converted to MSM in humans.
Sulfur is a component of amino acids, hormones, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Physical structures which require sulfur include various proteins, collagen, glucosamine, skin, and nails. MSM can be used for most types of musculoskeletal pain including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and gout. In one animal study on rheumatoid arthritis-like joint disease, DMSO and MSM equally prevented inflammation, but MSM also prevented breakdown of cartilage. MSM is used to treat epiphysitis and ameliorate pain associated with arthritis in geriatric horses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of MSM in improving limb function in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis.