Last night, my pup's front leg suddenly started bothering him. He seemed comfortable and relaxed at first but started to wine and scream. Is this normal?

Hi,

We have corresponded a few times in the past. It is amazing how much of difference a couple of years with your web site has made on me. Went from knowing a little to knowing quite a lot. Thanks!

I have a question about my 13 week old male GSD pup. Last night he was relaxing/sleeping in his crate and all of a sudden he started to wine a little and then it turned in to some screaming. His front left leg was bothering him. I picked him up and massaged his leg and it seemed to get better almost immediately. I then placed him on the ground and he walked around fine. No other problems until about 2pm this afternoon when the same thing occurred. He is here at work with me. He again was laying down when the pain started. This time it seemed to bother him a little more and he seemed to be favoring his leg a bit, but, again he appears to be walking on it okay. Is this normal puppy growing pains? The pain seems to be about two or three inches below the elbow.

The only thing that he could jump down from is exiting my car and I do not let him. He waits for me to place him on the ground. At work we have about five wooden steps that he climbs down. This is done at a slow pace and they are normal steps, not high or steep. At home he does run around and play with my other dogs, but, nothing out of the ordinary. He is presently eating Orijen puppy formula. The breeder had him on Royal Canin. I know that I should take him to the vet if this keeps up or gets worse, but I was wondering if you had any advice with this.

Thanks again for all your help,
Steve