Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 10/1/2008

Question
Hello Marie,

I have a 5 1/2 month old Jack Russell/Corky mix puppy who weighs 4# 5 ounces.  He woke up today 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.  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.

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

Answer
Hi Beth - A baby aspirin is dangerous for a puppy..  Can cause stomach bleeding...Don't give the Ibuprofen either.
You can just give it some rest and see how he is in a few days.
He may just need time for the swelling to go down.  I am sure there is some swelling inside the joints.

Now, about the VET,
How do you think the vet makes his or her money???  With the visits... That is why they won't give you more...They want another charge for another visit.  Right?

I have some alternatives to harsh drugs...ONE is here:

I have some supplements that will help this kid to gain strength in his legs and joints.
It will cost you about .60 cents per day...NuVET Plus

Here is the ordering info... It is all natural and safe.
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


good luck!

Marie