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Industry notice regarding the use of DMSO [UPDATED 19/2/2026]

Recent stable inspections conducted by Racing NSW have identified the possession and use of industrial-grade dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) products such as Pharmachem DMSO within licensed Thoroughbred racing stables. These products have been found administered either intravenously or via nasogastric tube to horses in training, often at the sole discretion of stable staff.

While Racing NSW acknowledges that DMSO may have legitimate therapeutic applications when prescribed by a veterinarian, its unregulated use, combined with its industrial-grade manufacture, presents significant legal, welfare and safety risks to veterinarians, trainers, stable staff, and the horses under their care.

The purpose of this advice is to clarify the regulatory position of Racing NSW regarding the possession and use of DMSO in racing stables and to ensure compliance with the Rules of Racing, relevant Commonwealth and State legislation, and accepted veterinary standards.

This advice is to be read in conjunction with Australian Rules of Racing AR 252.

Industrial-grade DMSO products (such as the Pharmachem product), not registered for use in horses or any other animal species, are not appropriate for administration to a horse in Thoroughbred racing stables, regardless of the route of administration.

Trainers and stable staff are not permitted to purchase, possess, store, or administer industrial-grade DMSO products by any route, including but not limited to intravenous, oral, or nasogastric administration.

Any such product will be seized by Racing NSW, and the relevant trainer may be liable to penalties under the Rules of Racing.

Trainers and stable staff are permitted to purchase, possess, store DMSO products which are registered for use in horses with the APVMA (this is currently only topical formulations).

Current requirements for DMSO products when administered through nasogastric or intravenous administration

- The veterinarian must use either a registered product, or have the product compounded by a licenced compounding pharmacy (capable of ensuring sterility for intravenous use)
- Only on an individual prescription basis for the treatment of a specific horse, consistent with legislative requirements
- The industrial grade DMSO products which state “Not For Therapeutic Use” on the packaging can not be used

This action is essential to protect horses from the risks associated with the use of unregistered, unregulated or unsuitable products and to ensure they receive products that have been scientifically assessed as safe and effective when used according to the label instructions by the APVMA, to support their health and wellbeing.

For further information or advice, please contact the Stewards or Racing NSW Veterinary Department on (02) 9551 7500. Effective Date: 18th February 2026