Understanding your dog’s limp: Hip Dysplasia in dogs

What is Hip Dysplasia?

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The head of the femur is the ball, and the acetabulum of the hip is the socket. Hip Dysplasia (also known as coxofemoral joint laxity, hip joint arthritis or coxofemoral joint arthritis) is a condition where head of the femur doesn’t fit properly into the acetabulum of the hip. There is often also laxity in the joint. With the ball and socket not fitting neatly together as they should, the joint is unstable. This instability results in damage to the cartilage and ligaments of the joint and further changes to the bony structures including arthritis and osteophytes (bone spurs).

It is generally an inherited problem, with growth rates, nutrition and exercise influencing the development of the disease.

Which pets are affected?

Hip Dysplasia is common in large breed dogs but can also affect smaller dogs and occasionally cats.  According to PetSure data from the calendar year 2020, Hip Dysplasia is most prevalent in the following breeds:

Prevalence = Total number of unique claiming pets / total number of insured pets across 12-month period. Excludes breeds with less than 500 active pet insurance policies.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

The signs of Hip Dysplasia vary depending on the age of the pet patient and severity of the problem. Initially, there may be signs of an unusual gait, which may include swaying in the rear end or “bunny hopping” where the pup uses the two rear legs together rather than one at a time. As the condition progresses and arthritis develops, limping and signs of pain occur. Affected dogs may be reluctant to run, jump or navigate stairs. They may lose muscle mass in the rear end and some dogs may even yelp or show signs of pain when you touch them around the hips. Typically, signs start in younger dogs, under a year old but it can also present in older animals, especially those who are overweight.

Management of Hip Dysplasia

Management of Hip Dysplasia is generally lifelong and includes management of pain and inflammation through anti-inflammatory medications and chondroprotectant agents including pentosan polysulfate or glucosamine. In many cases, the recommended course of action is surgery to help restore mobility and quality of life to affected pups. Common procedures include a femoral head ostectomy, where the head of the femur (the “ball” part of the joint) is removed. This removes the source of the pain, and the scar tissue that forms after the surgery helps stabilise the area. This procedure is generally better for small dogs and cats. For larger dogs, a total hip replacement may be recommended, where prosthetics are used to replace the hip joint. In young pups around 14 to 16 weeks of age, a procedure known as a Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) may be recommended by the Vet to help reduce the signs and severity of hip dysplasia later in life.

How much does it cost to treat?

PetSure claims data from the 2020 calendar year show the average single treatment for Hip Dysplasia was $293, and the highest single treatment was $9,678. Keep in mind that medical management may be required for life in pets affected with hip dysplasia.

Is Hip Dysplasia covered by pet insurance?

Hip Dysplasia is generally covered by Comprehensive Accidental Injury and Illness pet insurance policies administered by PetSure, however there may be exclusions or sublimit applied to surgical procedures such as the total hip replacement surgery  (check our brand partners at petsure.gholab.com.au/partners), or if related to a pre-existing condition or exclusion. Refer to your policy documents including Certificate of Insurance and Product Disclosure Statement for more information on whether this condition is covered under your policy.

References

1. Harasen, Greg, 2016, VINCYCLOPEDIA OF DISEASES, Hip Dysplasia, accessed 08/07/21
2. Bell, J, 2018, What practitioners should know about the genetics of hip dysplasia, World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings, accessed on 08/07/21
3. Hulse, D, 2016, Diagnosis and Treatment of Rear Limb Disorders, accessed on 08/07/21