Yelping occasionally at a very gentle touch

[Britster]

So, Jackson has always done this occasionally, for as long as I can remember. But it doesn't happen terribly often so I had kind of forgotten about it.

Sometimes when I touch him on his sides, even extremely gently, he will yelp. It seems to be kind of where the "tuck" is in his stomach, if you know what I mean.

Occasionally when I pick him up, he will do a little yelp, but I'm always very cautious when picking him up since he has yelped in the past so it hasn't happened recently.

Well today I was putting his lifejacket on him and you have to velcro it underneath his belly... well he yelped really loud once, then I did it again VERY soft and gentle, he yelped again, and then yet again. I was doing it super gentle too, it wasn't like I was squeezing it shut on his stomach or anything. Do you think it's his ribs? It definitely concerns me but it is not something that happens every day. I just wonder if he's just sensitive in that area or what?

I'm pretty sure it's not like a recent injury or anything because, like I said, he's done this occasionally for over 2 years now (he's 2 1/2).

[ArmaniMan]

It could be some kind of injury that gets aggravated occasionally. Like, Chloe has a LP and it only bothers her (that I can tell) very occasionally. So maybe he has some kind of hip/ lower back problem that bothers him every so often and that is when he is more sensitive to touch.

Might be worth having an orthopedic specialist give him a once over.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Hot Rod has a spot also. Sometimes when I pick him up from the side under and around his rib cage he will let a sharp yelp. I thought that it might be from my small hands but it has happened when my hubby has picked him up also.

[Ellie May]

Ellie did that when her back went out (on her side close to her mammary glands), but that wouldn't really fit for him. It can happen with intestinal and pancreas issues also, but that doesn't fit either.

You shouldn't have to be that careful. If it continues, I'd definitely see what the vet has to say after thorough exam palpating everywhere. I would start being less careful when picking him up to make sure it isn't going to continue.

Just looked at your post again. Hmm. A few times in one day can't be written off as just sticking your finger in the wrong spot on his ribs. I'd get it checked. Not normal.

[hugz4all4]

Tucker does it too on occasion and its usually right behind his front legs by his rib cage. He only yelps once as if I grabbed him too hard, even though I feel that I didnt. I think of it as his soft spot and I try to pick him up there.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by armaniman

It could be some kind of injury that gets aggravated occasionally. Like, Chloe has a LP and it only bothers her (that I can tell) very occasionally. So maybe he has some kind of hip/ lower back problem that bothers him every so often and that is when he is more sensitive to touch.

Might be worth having an orthopedic specialist give him a once over.

I am definitely going to get it checked out.

I'll just schedule a vet appointment for next week and see what they have to say. He had x-rays of his legs and hips last year and nothing was wrong there so I'll just see if maybe they can check around. They know more than me when it comes to canine bodies, lol.

Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod

Hot Rod has a spot also. Sometimes when I pick him up from the side under and around his rib cage he will let a sharp yelp. I thought that it might be from my small hands but it has happened when my hubby has picked him up also.

So odd, isn't it?! My dads dog does this too sometimes but not as often as Jackson.

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Ellie did that when her back went out (on her side close to her mammary glands), but that wouldn't really fit for him. It can happen with intestinal and pancreas issues also, but that doesn't fit either.

You shouldn't have to be that careful. If it continues, I'd definitely see what the vet has to say after thorough exam palpating everywhere. I would start being less careful when picking him up to make sure it isn't going to continue.

Just looked at your post again. Hmm. A few times in one day can't be written off as just sticking your finger in the wrong spot on his ribs. I'd get it checked. Not normal.

Yes, today was the most it's happened in one time. It was while trying to put the lifejacket on, like I said, and I've been putting it on him every weekend for weeks now with no problem... so it kind of concerned me that today EACH time I tried to buckle the strap he yelped. Very odd. But like I said, it will happen on occasion when I pick him up. I'd say once every 2 weeks or so. I thought it was just me grabbing him in a wrong place, but today was a little weird.

What do you suggest I ask the vet? Do you think I should first have her to feel around and palpate things, or should some bloodwork be in order also?

[Ellie May]

I'd say if it was just once in awhile around the ribs, that'd be different. Touching lightly should not hurt anywhere. Touching the abdomen itself firmly should not hurt like that.

I wouldn't ask for anything in particular. I'd just make the appointment for pain of unknown origin and tell the vet exactly what you typed here. They'll know what to do. Xrays may be in his future (and potentially bloodwork).

[MaddiesMommie]

I hope you get this figured out Brit. It is horrible when they are not themselves especially in a case like this where it is touch and go, not sure what or where the exact problem lies.

He seems so active and on-the-go. I am glad he is going next week. I will be thinking of him. Of course, you will let us know what you find out

[capt_noonie]

I hope you find out what's bothering him. Poor Jackson.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'd say if it was just once in awhile around the ribs, that'd be different. Touching lightly should not hurt anywhere. Touching the abdomen itself firmly should not hurt like that.

I wouldn't ask for anything in particular. I'd just make the appointment for pain of unknown origin and tell the vet exactly what you typed here. They'll know what to do. Xrays may be in his future (and potentially bloodwork).

Thanks!

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie

I hope you get this figured out Brit. It is horrible when they are not themselves especially in a case like this where it is touch and go, not sure what or where the exact problem lies.

He seems so active and on-the-go. I am glad he is going next week. I will be thinking of him. Of course, you will let us know what you find out

Thanks! He's fine otherwise- still active as ever, running like a maniac, swimming, etc.

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I hope you find out what's bothering him. Poor Jackson.

Thank you!

[MaddiesMommie]

Originally Posted by Britster

Thanks! He's fine otherwise- still active as ever, running like a maniac, swimming, etc.

That is good to hear. I was wondering about pulled muscle one can drive themselves crazy "diagnosing" problems.

[107barney]

Poor baby....definitely a vet visit is in order. Keep us posted.

[Patti]

I hope Jackson is ok.

[Maximo]

Poor Jackson! I'm glad you are going to have him checked out and I pray it isn't anything serious.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie

That is good to hear. I was wondering about pulled muscle one can drive themselves crazy "diagnosing" problems.

Thanks for all the well wishes.

I am sure it is nothing but still want to be safe.

The only reason I don't think it's a pulled muscle is because he's done it since he was a pup... ever since I can remember there have been times where I've grabbed him in the wrong spot and he yelps like that. It just doesn't happen EVERY time. So I dunno.