Pet Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic orthopedic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, causing the ball and socket to not fit properly, leading to arthritis, pain, and lameness — most common in large-breed dogs.
Definition
Hip dysplasia is a genetic orthopedic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, causing the ball and socket to not fit properly, leading to arthritis, pain, and lameness — most common in large-breed dogs.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, particularly affecting large and giant breeds (German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes). It can also occur in cats. The condition involves a loose hip joint where the femoral head does not sit securely in the acetabulum, leading to abnormal wear, inflammation, and progressive arthritis. Symptoms include difficulty rising, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, bunny-hopping gait, decreased activity, and hind-end lameness. Diagnosis involves physical examination and hip radiographs (X-rays). Treatment ranges from conservative management (weight management, joint supplements, NSAIDs, physical therapy, adequan injections) to surgical options: juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS, for puppies), triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO, for young dogs), femoral head ostectomy (FHO), or total hip replacement (THR, $3,500-$7,000 per hip). Prevention includes choosing breeders who screen for hip dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP certification).
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about pet hip dysplasia — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1Does my dog have hip dysplasia?
- 2What are the treatment options for hip dysplasia?
- 3How much does hip dysplasia surgery cost?
- 4Can hip dysplasia be prevented?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules orthopedic evaluation appointments, provides cost ranges for treatment, and answers questions about available options at your practice.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pet hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic orthopedic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, causing the ball and socket to not fit properly, leading to arthritis, pain, and lameness — most common in large-breed dogs. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, particularly affecting large and giant breeds (German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes). It can also occur in cats.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules orthopedic evaluation appointments, provides cost ranges for treatment, and answers questions about available options at your practice.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules orthopedic evaluation appointments, provides cost ranges for treatment, and answers questions about available options at your practice.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk captures symptom details from callers, schedules orthopedic evaluation appointments, provides cost ranges for treatment, and answers questions about available options at your practice.
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