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My mom just called and told me her beloved Gabby had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Gabby is a German Wire Haired Pointer and weighs 80 pounds. She’s a big dog! I knew bigger dogs had a propensity for hip trouble and it could be treated with OTC and prescription medication but this time surgery was recommended and when the subject of cost came up it was a shock. It was time to start researching! So, What is hip dysplasia? A dog’s hip joint works as a ball and socket the same as almost all animals and humans. In dog’s diagnosed with hip dysplasia the ball and socket that make up the hip have not developed properly and are not functioning as they are supposed to. Instead, the ball and socket grind and rub against each other, leading to continued breakdown, pain, and eventual loss in the function of the affected hip. Not only that, your dog is in pain and if the area that hurts is bumped it may cause your reliable and calm friend to take out it’s pain on you. I speak from experience! Hip dysplasia is most commonly seen in large breeds of dogs, although smaller breeds can also suffer from this painful joint condition and if left untreated it can drastically reduce your dog’s quality of life, as the condition causes significant pain and reduces your dog’s ability to move normally. The Question Now is What causes hip dysplasia in dogs? Hip dysplasia is predominantly a hereditary condition, with genetics being the leading contributor to the development of the condition. Breeds that commonly suffer from hip dysplasia include large and giant dogs although a number of smaller breeds may be susceptible. If left untreated in the early stages, it will likely continue to worsen with age and affect both hips. It may also be compounded by other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis in senior dogs. Even though it is an inherited condition other factors can exacerbate the issue. Poor weight management and nutrition, accelerated growth rate, and some types of exercise can all play a role in the development of the condition. The first way to combat it is weight control. Allowing your pet to become obese puts a large amount of stress on your friends joints and may aggravate pre-existing hip dysplasia or even cause the condition. To help avoid hip dysplasia it’s important to do some research regarding the right amount of daily exercise and the most appropriate diet for their breed, age, and size. Signs my dog might have hip dysplasia? Every dog is different when it comes to displaying symptoms of hip dysplasia. The amazing fact that I found is the problem can start to develop when the puppy is about five months old, but it may not become apparent until your dog reaches their middle or senior years. Pet parents should watch for the following symptoms as their pooch grows into adulthood: Pain while exercising (or a reluctance to exercise, run, jump or climb stairs) Their back legs are stiff when he walks Stiffness when running or rising from a resting position Loss of muscle tone in back legs or thighs Grating or grinding of the joint when he moves Lameness in the hind end Decreased range of motion Diagnosis for hip dysplasia When you take your dog in for an examination your vet should check for signs that point to hip dysplasia. During your dog’s regular physical exams, ask your veterinarian to check on their physical health and the condition of all your dog’s joints. If you’re present in the exam, make sure your vet moves your dog’s hind legs to identify any grinding sounds, signs of pain, or reduced range of motion. If your vet suspects that your dog may have hip dysplasia, they might recommend blood tests that can indicate inflammation as a result of the disease. Make sure to maintain a health and medical history for your dog, including a rundown of specific symptoms, and any injuries that may have caused them. Knowing your pet’s lineage can only offer insights into your dog’s likelihood of developing hip dysplasia. A proper diagnosis should consist of x-rays to diagnose the severity of your dog’s hip issue, and to chart a course of action for treatment. What are the treatment options? Treatment options for hip dysplasia range based on the severity of your friend’s condition. It may just be simple lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or more intensive treatments such as pain meds or orthopedic surgery for your dog. The BIG question – what is the cost of hip dysplasia surgery in dogs? Industry average dictates pet owners should expect a bare minimum of $1,700, this number can rabidly climb to well over $7,500 depending on the severity of the hip issue. Your vet should help you find the right option for you, your dog, and your budget should your canine friend require surgery. This is the time pet insurance or pet healthcare coverage would have been worth paying for when you had the chance! My mom let me read what her vet gave her if surgical treatment is the only option left. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) FHO can benefit both young and mature dogs. This type of surgery entails removing the femoral head (ball) of the hip joint, allowing the body to create a “false” joint, which decreases the discomfort related to hip dysplasia. Dog’s undergoing FHO are unlikely to see the return of normal hip function; however, it can be an effective method of managing pain. Your dog’s size and age, as well as the severity of your dog’s condition will all affect the price of FHO surgery. You can expect to pay from $1,200 to $2,500 or more, including pre-surgical bloodwork, anesthesia, post-surgical care, and medications. After the surgery, your dog will probably be required to remain in the hospital for anywhere between several hours or several days, depending on their health, and