My Pet is limping. Can I just give medications at home?

If your pet is limping, whether it is a chronic (long-term), recurrent problem or if it is an acute (sudden) development, it is always safest to contact a veterinary hospital for recommendations about how to proceed. Sometimes lameness is due to a soft tissue injury, such as a ligament tear or strain, but it can also be an indication of a fractured bone, cancer, spinal injury, or infection such as Lyme disease or an abscess. The veterinarian will do a thorough exam and might want to take x-rays and/or blood testing to determine the underlying cause. Giving medications at home might mask a diagnosis or interfere with the veterinarian’s treatment plan, and in some instances might actually cause your pet more harm than good.