Has he ever had Rimadyl? If he's been given it before, they may give it to you again without a visit. Rimadyl is a general anti-inflammatory. If it gets better on Rimadyl, it's soft tissue or arthritis. If it's arthritis, of course you'll have to continue treating it at least off and on, with probably increasing frequency. If it doesn't get better on that, you'd want to know if he actually has structural hip issues, like displasia.
No, he's not been on Rimadyl. He had the "puppy growning pains" when he was a few months old and we gave him baby aspirin.
Thinking about it, I think he's due for some shots anyway. Prolly best just to take him on in.
I just hate it 'cause they always fuss about me about his weight.