We used it alot at the vet clinic where I worked. Its a great "carrier". We mixed it with antibiotic sprays for wounds to "carry" the antibiotic deep into the tissue. We also used it on swollen/injured joints and I believe it helps with swelling. If you can stand the taste and smell, I've been told it's good for relieving arthritis swelling and pain.
From what I have "heard" a guy that used this on himself when "he" had a knew get twisted up in football crushed an tylenol, or ibuprofen and it helped with the pain and swelling. Worked up until the Sports Med doc caught wind of it. He...... frowned on the use, for lack of better terms.
DMSO will def help some with swelling and has been known to make some horses a little better moving, especially speed type horses, you will definately want to wear some latex gloves when putting it on though, if it makes contact with your skin you will have the taste of pure garlic in your mouth for a while..I have never used it on my show cattle