Limping - vet says nothing wrong

My male rottie has been acting strange the last few mornings, he has not been eating his breakfast and seems very lethargic and cranky!! Even low growls when I pet him?? This is not at all like him. By 5:30 when I get home he is fine! He wiggles his butt, rubs on me and enjoys his dinner. I touched his whole body and nothing seems to hurt him. Any ideas on this I am a very worried mom!!

[CarolineS]

How old is your dog? If he is an older dog, perhaps he's getting a little arthritic and things hurt in the morning. If he is uncomfortable first thing, he would not want to be bothered or to get up to eat.

If he is still like this, and this is a sudden behavioral change for him, I'd look for a second opinion. Animals do not suddenly change their behavior for no reason. There's always a reason, it's just up to us to find out what it is. Trust your instincts about your dog, you are more of an expert on what's "normal" behavior for him than the vet is! If the vet doesn't take you seriously, find another vet.

Thank you all for your concern, Caroline, I took your advice. About 2 days after my post my baby started whincing as he would rise or lower his right leg. After an exam including x-rays, stool, blood & urine tests, that all came back normal, THANK GOD, the only conclusion was that he pulled a muscle or tendon somehow. I was given anti-Inflamitories for him but they seem to make him feel yucky, lethargic, probably upset his stomach. He has stopped limping but remains a little stiff in the morning. Isn't there anything I can do for him?? He sleeps on my bed and I have an orthopedic mattress. FYI he is 4 yrs old and in great health. Please ease my mind.

[Lil E]

Poor baby!You can do the same as if you pulled a muscle. Use ice and/or heat for the pain, ask your vet if you can use bufferin instead of anti inflamms if they make him sick. Make sure you use a gel ice pack, cubes are too awkward and uncomfortable.

[lindsey]

Have you had any ticks on him? has he been tested for lyme. Some of the symtoms are joint pain,limping, and not eating well.

Max has been tested for Lyme, negative. Since my last post it seems when he is very active in the evenings he pays for it in the morning, I found the "knotted" muscle it is on the very upper inside of his right thigh. When it acts up it feels like an egg under his skin, when ok it is firm and muscular like his other thigh. I have been massaging his entire leg from hip to toe every day, how long will it take to finally heal?? Vet say 2 weeks plus!?

[Lil E]

With people it takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal a muscle strain. Massage, ice rest and anti-inflammitories are the best things to treat this.