over the counter NSAID for puppy

Question
I have a 5 1/2 month old Jack Russell/Corky mix puppy who weighs 4# 5 ounces.  He woke up 2 days and his left rear leg is lame.  He can bear weight on it and seems to be eating and drinking ok and does not appear to uncomfortable but is lying low and favors that leg keeping it off the ground most of the time.  Except when I took him outside to go to the pee and he saw the wild turkeys in our yard and went on chasing them.  His leg appeared fine on that little adventure but we came back in and I could tell he was bumming that he did that.

3 months ago the same thing happen to his right rear leg and he recovery quickly with Metacam.  I am looking for an alternative treatment since the 1st incident was a vet bill of $140.  I did call the vet but they do not want to prescribe over the phone.  I don't really understand that because if he didn't recover with the metacam I would obviously bring him in.  But if he gets better on the metacam then it would be obvious that nothing else is going on.  Why can't they triage over the phone base on symptoms?  Since he can bear weight I can't imagine anything is broken.  He is not in agony or I would take him in now.

I believe he just over did it being a puppy and has a sore leg.  I know that happens to me and I take ibuprofen. (Don't worry, I would not give him any!!!!)

What can I give him (in addition to resting it and not chasing any more turkeys!!) to help him get better faster?


Answer
Beth -


Consult with your doctor to determine what you can give your dog.  I cannot suggest  medication - even other the counter - because there is not patient-doctor-client relationship.  Without the benefit of a physical exam I cannot recommend any meds for your pet.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM