Dog in pain? Not sure if it is and if so why?

My dog appears to be arthritic and sometimes in pain.  The Vet said it was not arthritis.

It has a stiff walk and has a tendency to plop down as opposed to gently sitting down.  As if it hurts.

The dog sits abnormally - on it's rear with its legs somewhat splayed.

This dog seems be aged beyond it's years.

It is still able to job with me

Any idea what this could be or what action I should be taking at this time?

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Dear Pat,

When I suspect osteoarthitis or other orthopedic disease, the appropriate workup includes (after the history and physical exam) an anesthetized orthopedic examination (for muscle relaxation to allow checking joint stability) and xray imaging of the hips, stifles and lumbar spine. Typically these two things are done the same day under the same anesthetic episode.

Of course there are other conditions, nonorthopedic in nature that can cause bone or muscle pain, weakness or stiffness.

Either your current veterinarian, or the new one you will find, should do a minimum database (lab work to include CBC, serum biochemistry (blood)  and urinalysis (urine)
and perhaps other tests (as in "tick serology")  as indicated by physical examination followed by the above described workup if ortho disease is still suspected.

Your young dog should not be stiff or in pain. Get it checked out.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

Dr G