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Understanding Hip Dysplasia
in dogs and cats

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Key symptomsLimping, stiffness, difficulty standing or climbing stairs, reduced activity, hip pain
CommonalityHigh in large dog breeds, rare in cats
TransmissionNot contagious
Impact on healthMedium to High
Treatment cost ~$500 to $10,000 AUD
(depending on severity and treatment type)
Treatment durationSeveral weeks to months
Ease of preventionModerate

Most affected dog breeds

  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Rottweiler
  • Great Dane
  • Saint Bernard
  • Bernese Mountain

Most affected cat breeds

  • Maine Coon
  • Persian
  • Himalayan

What is Hip Dysplasia

  • For the Non-Vets:

The hip joint works like a ball fitting smoothly inside a socket. In hip dysplasia, this fit is loose or uneven. Over time, the joint rubs and wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and eventually arthritis.

  • The Vet’s Version:

Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder where the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) do not form properly, resulting in joint laxity. This instability leads to abnormal wear of cartilage, inflammation, and degenerative joint disease.

Key takeaways

  • Hip dysplasia is a common joint problem that affects the hip’s ball-and-socket joint.
  • It develops when the hip joint does not fit together properly, leading to pain and arthritis over time.
  • Large and giant dog breeds are most at risk, but cats can also develop it.
  • Early detection through vet exams and X-rays helps slow its progression.
  • Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medication to surgery in severe cases.
  • Weight management and gentle exercise are key to prevention and long-term joint health.

Importance for pet owners

Hip dysplasia can affect your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Recognising symptoms early and seeking veterinary care can make a major difference. With proper management, many pets continue to live active, happy lives. Lifestyle changes, pain relief, physiotherapy, and surgery can all help depending on the stage of the condition.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. For smooth movement, the ball (femoral head) should fit snugly into the socket (acetabulum). In hip dysplasia, this fit is loose, allowing the joint to move abnormally. Over time, friction damages the joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and arthritis.

Hip dysplasia can affect one or both hips. It usually begins during growth in puppies but can also appear later due to wear and tear.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

Genetic factors

Genetics play a major role in hip dysplasia. It is often inherited, particularly in large and giant breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. Responsible breeders use hip scoring programs to reduce risk in offspring.

Rapid growth

Puppies that grow too quickly may experience uneven development of bones and joints, leading to hip instability. Feeding balanced diets designed for large-breed puppies can help prevent this.

Weight and nutrition

Excess weight places strain on developing joints. Overfeeding or providing high-calorie diets can accelerate joint wear. Proper nutrition supports healthy growth and joint stability.

Exercise and environment

Over-exercising young puppies, especially on hard or slippery surfaces, can worsen joint laxity. Controlled, low-impact activity is best during growth.

Hormonal and developmental factors

Hormones and growth patterns can affect cartilage formation, joint alignment, and bone strength, influencing the risk of hip dysplasia.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Early symptoms:

  • Limping or favouring one leg
  • Bunny-hopping gait (using both back legs together)
  • Stiffness after rest
  • Difficulty rising, running, or jumping

Progression signs:

  • Decreased activity or reluctance to play
  • Pain when touched near the hips
  • Audible clicking or popping from the hip joint
  • Muscle loss in the hind legs
  • Increased shoulder muscle size as pets shift weight forward

Tip:

If your pet struggles to stand, jumps awkwardly, or limps after exercise, book a vet appointment. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.

Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia

Clinical examination

Your vet will observe how your pet walks, sits, and stands. They will test the range of motion in the hips and look for pain, stiffness, or clicking.

Imaging tests

  • X-rays: The most common diagnostic tool to confirm hip dysplasia and assess joint shape.
  • CT scans or MRI: Used in complex cases or before surgery to understand the extent of damage.

Hip Scoring

For breeding dogs, hip scoring systems such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP assess joint quality and help reduce inherited risk.

Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

Treatment depends on the pet’s age, weight, and severity of the condition.

  • Non-Surgical treatment
Mild to moderate cases may be managed with:
  • Weight management: Keeping your pet lean reduces joint stress.
  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: As prescribed by your vet.
  • Joint supplements: Such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Physiotherapy: Low-impact exercises such as hydrotherapy or underwater treadmill work can help.
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Soft bedding, ramps instead of stairs, and limiting jumping.
  • Surgical treatment
Surgery may be recommended for severe or advanced hip dysplasia:
  • Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): A preventive procedure for young puppies.
  • Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): Corrects joint alignment in young dogs.
  • Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): Removes the ball part of the joint to reduce pain in smaller pets.
  • Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one and provides excellent long-term results.

Postoperative care for Hip Dysplasia

Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure. Pets usually need several weeks of restricted activity followed by rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation

Controlled exercise, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy are key parts of recovery. These help rebuild muscle strength and improve mobility.

Follow-Up

Your vet will schedule regular visits to monitor healing and adjust pain medication. Maintaining a healthy weight remains critical for long-term success.

Cost of treatment for Hip Dysplasia

The cost of treatment depends on severity and treatment type.

  • Conservative care: $100 to $500 per month for medication and supplements
  • FHO surgery: $1,500 to $3,000 per hip
  • Total Hip Replacement: $5,000 to $10,000 per hip
  • Diagnostic imaging: $200 to $800
  • Rehabilitation: $100 to $300 per session

Prices vary by clinic and region. Pet insurance can help cover these costs.

Prevention tips for Hip Dysplasia

Choose a responsible breeder

Select breeders who screen for hip dysplasia and provide hip scores 
for parents.

Balanced nutrition

Feed high-quality food suited to your pet’s breed and size. Avoid overfeeding, especially in puppies.

Weight management

Monitor your pet’s weight throughout life. Maintaining a lean body condition is the best way to reduce joint strain.

Exercise wisely

Avoid overexertion in young pets. Focus on controlled play and gentle, regular walks. Slippery floors and jumping off furniture can worsen joint laxity.

Regular vet visits

Routine checks allow early detection of hip issues before they worsen. Your vet may recommend joint supplements for at-risk pets.

Getting Hip Dysplasia covered with pet insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?

Petsy reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet costs for unexpected injuries or illnesses once the exclusion period has passed. You can tailor your cover by selecting your annual limit, benefit percentage, and excess. Claims are simple and can submitted directly by your vet.

Petsy also offers a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment, which reviews your pet’s medical history to clarify what will be covered.

What is a pre-existing symptom or condition?

Any signs or symptoms of an illness or health issue your pet shows before the exclusion period is over are considered pre-existing symptoms and conditions and won’t be covered.

Hip Dysplasia is a Specified Condition that has a 6 month exclusion period. Once that time has passed with no signs or symptoms, it may be covered if it is not pre-existing.

Does Petsy cover Hip Dysplasia?

Petsy covers eligible costs for hip dysplasia as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of hip dysplasia appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

How Petsy pet insurance can help

Hip dysplasia can be expensive to treat, particularly if surgery is required. Having pet insurance before symptoms appear provides financial protection and peace of mind. Petsy can help with eligible costs including diagnostic costs, medications, surgery, and rehabilitation related to hip dysplasia.

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Waiver form

You can apply to reduce the 6 month exclusion period for Specified Conditions such as hip dysplasia.

How to apply:

  1. Fill out Part 1 of the Waiver Form.
  2. Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2.
  3. Submit the form and your pet’s full medical history within 14 days of the exam.
  4. We will review and, if approved, issue an updated Certificate of Insurance showing any reduced exclusion periods.

The form is available under Policy Documents on our website or can be requested from our customer care team.

Waiver form

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common joint problems in dogs and can affect cats too. Early detection, weight management, and the right treatment can greatly improve comfort and mobility. If your pet shows signs of stiffness or limping, see your vet for advice. A healthy lifestyle, preventive care, and regular health check-ups can help your pet maintain an active, pain-free life.

Frequently asked questions about Hip Dysplasia

A developmental joint disorder where the hip joint does not fit properly, causing pain, stiffness, and arthritis over time.

Large and giant breeds such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, as well as some large cat breeds such as Maine Coons.

Limping, difficulty standing or climbing, stiffness, or decreased activity.

Through a physical exam and imaging such as X-rays.

Treatment can include medication, supplements, weight management, or surgery for severe cases.

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

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Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.