Table of Contents
Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Causes Symptoms, and Treatment
Commonality: Moderate
Transmission: Not Contagious
Impact on Health: Medium to High
Symptoms: Limping, Difficulting Rising, Audible Clicking noises from joint, decreased activity and range of motion, enlargement of shoulder muscles.
Treatment Cost: $3000 – $7000 +
Treatment and Recovery Time: 3-6 months
Ease of Prevention: Medium
Dog Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Newfoundlands
Cat Breeds Most Commonly Affected : Maine Coons and Himalayans
Covered By Petsy; Yes, if not a pre-exisiting condition
Table of contents
What Is Hip Dysplasia
For The Non Vets
Think of your hip or your pet’s hip as a video game controller, with the leg acting like the joystick. When the joystick moves effortlessly in all directions, it mirrors how a healthy hip joint should operate, allowing smooth and unrestricted movement. However, in hip dysplasia, the joystick doesn’t fit well and wobbles, leading to limited motion and discomfort.
The Vets Response
Hip dysplasia in pets, particularly dogs and cats, is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, causing the ball and socket of the joint to grind instead of sliding smoothly. This misalignment leads to joint instability, pain, and eventually arthritis. Commonly seen in larger breeds, hip dysplasia can also result from rapid growth, improper diet, and excessive exercise during early development.
Understanding Hip Dysplasia
To fully understand hip dysplasia, it helps to start with the basic anatomy of the hip joint. Picture the hip joint as a joystick on a video game controller. The top of the thigh bone, known as the femur, acts as the ball, while a part of the pelvic bone, called the acetabulum, serves as the socket1. This ball-and-socket configuration allows for a wide range of movements—up and down, side to side, and in circles—much like how a joystick controls a game 1.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
| Common Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Limping or Lameness | Both dogs and cats may limp or show lameness in one or both hind legs. This can be more noticeable after exercise or physical activity. |
| Decreased Activity | Affected animals may be less active and reluctant to engage in activities that require physical exertion, such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. |
| Difficulty Rising | Pets may struggle to get up from lying or sitting positions, especially after periods of rest. |
| Stiffness | Stiffness in the hindquarters is common, particularly after exercise or prolonged inactivity. |
| Pain | Signs of pain may include whimpering, yelping, avoiding being touched around the hip area, or changes in behaviour such as irritability or aggression. |
| Muscle Atrophy | Due to decreased use and chronic pain, there may be noticeable muscle loss in the hind limbs. |
Diagnosis Process of Hip Dysplasia
Clinical Examination
History Taking: The veterinarian will begin by asking about the pet’s medical history, symptoms, and any incidents that might have led to the current condition, such as falls or injuries.
Physical Examination
Gait Analysis: The veterinarian will observe the pet’s gait to identify any abnormalities such as limping, swaying, or “bunny hopping” in dogs.
Palpation: The vet will palpate the hip joints to check for pain, instability, and range of motion. They may manipulate the limbs to assess for any grinding sensations or clicking noises, which indicate joint damage.Extending the hip or making the femur move in it’s socket can be painful for the dog so vets often need to sedate the dogs to perform those test
Imaging
X-Rays (Radiographs): X-rays are the most common diagnostic tool for confirming hip dysplasia. They allow the veterinarian to visualize the shape of the hip joint and the extent of any arthritic changes. The pet may need to be sedated to ensure proper positioning for accurate imaging.
Ventrodorsal View: The standard position for hip dysplasia X-rays, with the pet lying on its back and front are taken 6
Stress Radiograph : These are special X-rays taken under conditions that stress the joints to measure joint laxity (looseness), often using a method called PennHip 6
Treatment and Recovery of Hip Dysplasia
The treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs and cats can vary between non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the age and health of the pet. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance the overall quality of life.
Non- Surgical – Conservative Therapies
Non-surgical conservative therapies focus on managing acute or mild cases of hip dysplasia in pets without the need for surgery 9,10. Key approaches include:
| Conserative Therapies | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight Management | Maintaining an ideal weight is crucial for pets, especially if they are overweight, as it helps reduce stress on the hips9. Overweight adult dogs with signs of hip osteoarthritis have shown significant improvements in the short term when fed calorie-restricted diets9. |
| Exercise and Physical Therapy | Controlled exercise helps maintain muscle strength and joint mobility. Activities such as swimming and walking on soft surfaces are beneficial. Physical therapy may include specific exercises, hydrotherapy, and massage to improve joint function and alleviate pain. |
| Pain Management | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. |
| Supplements | Nutritional supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can support joint health and reduce inflammation. |
Surgical Treatment
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient to manage the symptoms of hip dysplasia, various surgical options may be considered depending on the severity 11.
1. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
2. Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO):
Description
DPO/TPO is a preventative surgery ideal for young dogs that haven’t yet developed severe hip damage or arthritis. This procedure adjusts the base of a joystick to ensure it covers and secures the joystick better.
During TPO surgery, the vet makes three cuts in the pelvis (similar to tweaking parts of the base) and then rotates the hip socket to better cover and support the top of the thigh bone. The new position is then secured with a special plate11. This hardware holds the bones in place, ensuring that the hip socket remains properly aligned with the femur head12 .Candidates ideal for TPO are those who have severe hip dysplasia.
DPO is similar to TPO but is preferred due to reduced pain. The vet makes two cuts instead of three and then rotates the hip socket to better cover and support the head of the thigh bone. The new position is then secured with a special plate12 . This hardware holds the bones in place, ensuring that the hip socket remains properly aligned with the femur head 12,13
Candidates ideal for DPO are young dogs with mild to moderate levels of hip dysplasia.
Why not Always DPO instead of TPO?
While TPO is more invasive, painful and longer recovery than DPO due to requiring three cuts, it allows for greater rotation of the pelvis, providing better coverage of the femoral head. This greater rotation can be necessary for dogs with more severe hip dysplasia, which DPO may not always achieve.
Aftercare/Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial, and your vet will provide a specialised plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Here is a possible route: After surgery, your vet may prescribe pain relievers and short-term anti-inflammatory medications.Post-surgery, your vet may prescribe pain relievers and short-term anti-inflammatory medications. A bandage should be kept on for 1-2 days, with daily checks for infection. A sling will help your pet walk safely for the first 2 weeks. Exercise should be limited for 3 months, with gradual increases after 2 months. The vet will monitor healing progress at 2 and 6 weeks, including X-rays. Improvement will be noticeable at 6-8 weeks, with full recovery expected within 3-4 months 12,13
Cost
The cost of TPO and DPO typically ranges around $3,000 or more for both hips13
2. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO):
Description
During this surgery, the vet removes the top part of the thigh bone that normally fits into the hip socket 15. This prevents the painful bone-on-bone contact that causes discomfort. After removing the bone, the body naturally forms a “false joint” made of scar tissue. The surgery involves careful cutting and requires the vet to make sure not too much or too little bone is removed to avoid further issues 15. The ideal candidate for this procedure is primarily small dogs and cats, especially those who are at a healthy weight. Larger dogs can also benefit, especially if more advanced treatments like total hip replacements aren’t an option due to cost.
Why not Always DPO instead of TPO?
While TPO is more invasive, painful and longer recovery than DPO due to requiring three cuts, it allows for greater rotation of the pelvis, providing better coverage of the femoral head. This greater rotation can be necessary for dogs with more severe hip dysplasia, which DPO may not always achieve.
Aftercare/Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial, and your vet will provide a specialised plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Here is a possible route: After surgery, pets stay overnight in the hospital to transition from injectable to oral pain medications, including gabapentin, NSAIDs, and sometimes amantadine 15,16. At home, a cone collar is used for 2 weeks to prevent licking the incision, and a sling supports the pet when walking. For the first 2 weeks, keep the pet in a confined space with short leash walks 15. From weeks 3 to 8, confine to a small room and prevent running, jumping, and playing, while encouraging gentle physical therapy. Follow-up exams and X-rays monitor recovery. Most pets start using the operated limb shortly after surgery, with full recovery expected in a few months15.
Cost
FHO surgery generally ranges from $1,200 to $2,500. This cost includes pre-surgical bloodwork, the procedure itself, anesthesia, post-surgical care, and medications17.
4. Total Hip Replacement (THR):
Description
Total Hip Replacement (THR) is often the best surgical option for older dogs suffering from severe arthritis, with studies indicating a high success rate of 95%18. This procedure involves replacing the damaged hip joint with artificial components to eliminate pain 18. Two types of prostheses are used: cemented and cementless, with the cemented type being more common in veterinary medicine 16.
In a typical cemented THR, a titanium prosthetic joint—comprising a femoral head, neck, and shaft—is attached with a special cement inside the thigh bone. The socket part of the joint, made from ultra-high density polyethylene, is also cemented into the hip socket after it has been carefully prepared.
While complications are rare, they can be serious, including infections near the prosthetic and loosening of the implants. Other potential issues are fractures, hip dislocation, nerve damage from the heat of the cement, and incorrect placement of the prostheses.
Aftercare/Rehabilitation
The recovery time for Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery typically spans about 6-10 weeks19. During the initial weeks, you may see gradual improvements as your pet starts to bear weight on the operated limb and the lameness decreases19. By 6-8 weeks post-surgery, the lameness should be significantly reduced or completely resolved19. It’s crucial to follow the specific post-operative care instructions provided by your vet to ensure a smooth and effective recovery. This includes managing your pet’s activity level, adhering to the diet and physical therapy recommendations, and monitoring for any signs of complications.
Cost
Costing about $5,000-$6,500 per side at which will vary from vet to vet 18.
Cost of Treatment
Treating hip dysplasia in pets involves a range of options with varying costs. Non-surgical treatments, including weight management, exercise, physical therapy, pain management, and supplements, have variable costs depending on the treatment plan.
- Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) surgery costs around $950.
- Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO) surgeries are approximately $3,000 or more for both hips.
- Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, covering pre-surgical bloodwork, the procedure, anaesthesia, post-surgical care, and medications.
- Total Hip Replacement (THR) is the most expensive option, costing about $5,000 to $6,500 per side, with a recovery period of 6-10 weeks.
Disclaimer : These costs can vary based on the veterinary practice and the specific needs of the pet.
We encourage pet owners to take proactive steps in maintaining their pet’s joint health through regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and nutrition tailored to their breed’s specific needs. Additionally, managing your pet’s weight and providing supportive bedding can further protect their joints from potential stress and injury.
Prevention Tips
While hip dysplasia is often a genetic condition, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the risk and manage its development in dogs and cats:
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight puts additional stress on the hip joints, increasing the risk of developing hip dysplasia. Ensure your pet maintains an ideal weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Regular, controlled exercise
Helps maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Engage your pet in low-impact activities such as swimming and walking on soft surfaces. Avoid high-impact exercises that can strain the joints, especially in growing puppies.Excessive or intense physical activity can harm developing joints.
Provide Proper Nutrition
A diet rich in essential nutrients supports healthy joint development.Feed your pet a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, size, and breed. Consider supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups:
Early detection of hip dysplasia can lead to better management and treatment outcomes.Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s joint health and catch any early signs of hip dysplasia.
Environmental Management:
Providing a safe and supportive environment helps reduce joint stress. Use ramps to help your pet avoid stairs, provide soft and supportive bedding, and keep floors non-slippery to prevent falls and injuries.
Breeding Considerations:
Hip dysplasia is often hereditary, so responsible breeding practices are crucial. If you plan to breed your dog or purchase/adopt from a breeder, ensure both parents are screened for hip dysplasia and have good hip scores. Avoid breeding animals with a known history of the condition.
Getting Hip Dysplasia Covered with Pet Insurance
What is Petsy Pet Insurance?
Petsy Pet Insurance is an insurance policy that reimburses 80% or 90% of vet costs for the treatment of your pet if they suffer an unexpected injury or illness (provided these occur after any applicable exclusion period has ended symptom free).
Our policy is customisable and you’ll be able to tailor the level of coverage, based on your preferences for the Benefit Percentage, Annual Limit, Annual Excess, whether or not you’d like Optional Extra Benefits (if your pet is less than 3 years old) and whether or not you’d like to include costs of Vet Consultations for your cover.
You get to see a summary of the cover when completing an online quote and have the option to select a preferred start date. After making the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of cover and your policy documents by email.
For added peace of mind, we offer a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment for all our members. This includes collecting your pet’s vet history upfront which helps to fast-track any future claims and we’ll also let you know whether there are any pre-existing conditions noted in their medical history that might affect your ongoing coverage.
Claims are quick and easy, and your vet can submit claims on your behalf. Approved claims are paid into your nominated bank account.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Under the terms of the policy, Pre-existing Condition is defined as:
An Injury, Illness, Dental Illness, Behavioural Condition or Specified Condition (including Bilateral Conditions, recurrent Conditions and other conditions that are related to, secondary to, or results of) that:
- first occurred or showed symptoms of; or
- was identified or investigated by a Vet; or
- You were aware of or a reasonable person in the circumstances could be expected to have known about, before Your Pet’s First Date of Cover; before a change of coverage became effective, or during any applicable Exclusion Period.
Whether a condition is considered a pre-existing condition depends on when the signs or symptoms occurred and when the exclusion periods on your policy end. Anything that happened before the exclusion periods ended is considered a pre-existing condition because it started before your coverage began.
Covered by Petsy
We cover Hip Dysplasia as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition and your pet hasn’t shown signs or symptoms of the condition within the exclusion period.
A specified condition includes specific health issues, including cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Hip Dysplasia is a specified condition that has a 6 month exclusion period.
Once this period has passed and as long as your pet hasn’t shown symptoms, we can help to cover the vet costs for unexpected injuries and illnesses like Hip Dysplasia.
Can Petsy Insurance Cover My Pet’s Hip Dysplasia?
It depends on when you started your policy. If the signs or symptoms of Hip Dysplasia appeared before your policy began or during the exclusion period, it won’t be covered. But if you had an active policy and Hip Dysplasia happened unexpectedly, we can help to cover the costs.
If you’re a Petsy customer and are unsure about your exclusion periods and when the symptoms first appeared, you can request a pre-existing condition assessment. We’ll reach out to your vet for your pet’s medical history and let you know if your policy can cover it.
If you’re considering Petsy Pet Insurance, you can also reach out to our customer care team on 1300 952 790 for more information.
Does Petsy cover Hip Dysplasia?
Yes, Hip Dysplasia is covered under our standard policy. However, we can’t cover it if it’s a pre-existing condition, for example, if signs or symptoms appeared before your policy started or during the exclusion period. Petsy is here to protect you against unexpected vet costs.
How Petsy Pet Insurance can help with Hip Dysplasia
At Petsy, we understand how difficult it is when your pet faces Hip Dysplasia. Our insurance can help cover the costs of treatment, but it’s important to start your policy early, before any signs or symptoms appear.
Stay alert to any signs of Hip Dysplasia, and seek veterinary care proactively. Catching things early can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being and help them receive the best possible care.
Waiver Form
You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and make sure to submit the completed form back to us within 14 days of the visit.
The conditions that this waiver applies to include cruciate ligament damage, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and lumps.
Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out Part 1: You start by completing Part 1 of the form.
- Vet Examination: Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2 of the form.
- Submit the Form: Send the completed form along with your pet’s full veterinary history to us within 14 days of the examination.
- Receive an updated Certificate of Insurance: Once the review is complete, we’ll issue an updated Certificate of Insurance detailing any reduced exclusion periods for specified conditions.
You can find the waiver form on our website under the ‘Policy Documents’ section, or contact us directly and we’ll send it to you.
Conclusion
Understanding hip dysplasia in dogs and cats is crucial for pet owners, as it significantly impacts the quality of life for affected animals. This condition, marked by a misalignment of the hip joint, can cause pain, reduced mobility, and other serious health issues if left untreated. Various treatment options are available, ranging from non-surgical therapies like weight management and physical therapy to surgical interventions such as Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS), Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO), Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), and Total Hip Replacement (THR).
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of the pet. Non-surgical treatments are beneficial for managing mild cases, while surgical options provide more permanent solutions for severe dysplasia. Each treatment option has its costs and recovery timelines, emphasising the importance of early detection and proactive management.
Pet insurance, like that offered by Petsy, can be a valuable resource for covering the costs associated with hip dysplasia treatment. By understanding the condition and taking preventive measures, pet owners can better manage their pets’ health and ensure they lead comfortable, active lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hip dysplasia in pets is primarily caused by genetic factors, leading to abnormal development of the hip joint. Factors like rapid growth, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition can also contribute to its onset.
Watch out for signs such as decreased activity, difficulty rising, bunny hopping gait, and reluctance to climb stairs. Dogs and cats with hip dysplasia may also show signs of pain or stiffness in their hind limbs.
Veterinarians typically diagnose hip dysplasia through a physical exam, X-rays, and sometimes additional imaging tests. They assess the joint's range of motion, look for signs of arthritis, and evaluate the severity of the condition.
Treatment may include weight management, exercise modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgical procedures like total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy. The approach depends on the pet's age, size, and the extent of joint damage.
Yes, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and supplements like glucosamine can complement traditional treatments. These therapies aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for pets with hip dysplasia.
References
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