Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs that affects the hip joint, causing pain and mobility issues. If your dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you may consider surgery as a treatment option. This blog post will address the costs, outcomes, and recovery process associated with hip dysplasia surgery, along with answers to pet owners' common questions.
Dog Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which a dog's hip joints don't develop properly, causing the ball and socket of the hip to grind and rub against each other. This can lead to pain and reduced mobility for the dog. Although the condition is commonly seen in large-breed dogs, smaller breeds can also be affected. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can greatly impact a dog's quality of life and cause pet owners emotional distress.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition, often caused by genetics in dogs. It is more common in giant breeds and large dogs such as Rottweilers, Mastiffs, St. Bernards, retrievers, and bulldogs, but smaller breeds like French bulldogs and pugs can also be affected. This condition can worsen with age and affect both hips if left untreated. For senior dogs, hip dysplasia can be compounded by other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis.
While hip dysplasia is inherited, other factors can worsen the genetic predisposition. Improper weight and nutrition, rapid growth, and certain types of exercise can contribute to its development. Obesity can put abnormal stress on your dog’s joints and worsen existing hip dysplasia or even cause it.
No matter your dog's breed, it's important to consult your vet about the right amount of daily exercise and the most appropriate diet for their age, size, and breed.
Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Every dog is different in terms of their symptoms of hip dysplasia. However, the condition usually starts to develop when a dog is still a puppy, around five months old. However, the signs may not be obvious until they reach middle age or their senior years. Dog owners should keep an eye out for these symptoms as their puppy enters adulthood:
- Stiff back legs when walking
- Signs of discomfort or pain while exercising (or a reluctance to exercise, run, jump, or climb stairs)
- Stiffness when running or rising from a resting position
- Running with a 'bunny hop'
- Loss of muscle tone in back legs or thighs
- Lameness in the hind end
- Decreased range of motion
- Grating or grinding of the joint when they move
How much does surgery cost for hip dysplasia in dogs?
The cost of surgery for hip dysplasia in dogs can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of surgical procedure, and the geographical location of the veterinary clinic.
Can a dog live a normal life with hip dysplasia?
Many dogs can live relatively normally with hip dysplasia, especially with early diagnosis and appropriate management. While hip dysplasia can cause discomfort and limit mobility, treatments such as weight management, physical therapy, and pain medication can help alleviate symptoms. However, veterinary surgery may be necessary for dogs with severe hip dysplasia to significantly improve their quality of life.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
During regular check-ups, veterinarians look for hip dysplasia and other common conditions in dogs. As part of the examination, they check the dog's overall physical health and joint condition, often moving the hind legs to detect any signs of pain, reduced range of motion, or abnormal sounds.
If hip dysplasia is suspected, blood tests may be recommended to detect inflammation. A complete health and medical history, including specific symptoms and previous injuries, will be requested. Knowing the dog's lineage can provide insight into the likelihood of developing hip dysplasia. X-rays are also used to diagnose the severity of the condition and plan the appropriate treatment.
Can hip dysplasia be cured in dogs?
Hip dysplasia cannot be entirely cured but can be effectively managed. Surgical options such as total hip replacement (THR) or femoral head osteotomy (FHO) can provide significant relief and improve mobility.
These surgeries aim to reduce pain and restore function to the hip joint, allowing dogs to lead more comfortable and active lives. Non-surgical treatments can also help manage the condition, though they may not provide as much relief as surgery.
Surgical Treatment Options
When treating hip dysplasia in dogs, there are three main surgical options available:
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
FHO can benefit both young and mature dogs. This type of surgery entails removing the hip joint's femoral head (ball), allowing the body to create a “false” joint, which decreases the discomfort related to hip dysplasia. Dogs undergoing FHO will not see the return of normal hip function; however, it can effectively manage pain.
Factors such as your dog's size and age and the severity of the condition will all affect the price of FHO surgery. The surgery cost will include pre-surgical bloodwork, the procedure, anesthesia, post-surgical care, and medication.
Following surgery, your dog could be required to remain in the hospital for anywhere between several hours and several days, depending on their health and other factors. Your veterinary surgeon will provide specific instructions for caring for your dog after FHO surgery. Still, you will need to prevent your dog from doing any strenuous physical activity for at least 30 days. In most cases, you can expect your pup to recover completely within six weeks following the operation. Once fully recovered, they can resume regular physical activity.
Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
These hip surgeries are most commonly performed in dogs under ten months old. They involve cutting the pelvic bone in specific locations and then rotating the segments, improving the ball-and-socket joint.
Following these surgeries, your dog will require several weeks to enjoy proper leash walks again. They will also need regular physical rehabilitation (physio for dogs) for full mobility to return (although you may notice joint stability improve within as little as four weeks). Most dogs will recover within four to six weeks after DPO/TPO surgery.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total hip replacement (THR) is typically the first choice for surgical treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs since it is the most effective. THR involves using plastic and metal implants to replace the entire hip joint, restoring hip function to a more normal range and eliminating most hip dysplasia-related discomfort.
That said, THP surgery is a drastic option and the most expensive. This surgery is usually recommended if the dog is in considerable pain or close to completely immobile. The artificial components used in THR must be custom-made for your dog, and certified veterinary surgeons perform the surgery.
Total hip replacement surgery usually takes about two to three hours, and your dog may need to be hospitalized for one to three days following surgery. To ensure proper healing, expect a 12-week recovery period. Even if your dog's hip dysplasia appears in both hips, surgery may only be performed on one hip at a time, allowing a three-to-six-month gap between procedures.
Our vets understand that hearing a diagnosis of hip dysplasia in your dog can be heart-wrenching. The condition is painful and can visibly reduce mobility. This diagnosis can also cause financial concerns, as surgical options can impact your budget. That said, your veterinarian may be able to recommend a choice or combination of treatments that can help your dog recover and regain some of its hip function.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from hip surgery?
The recovery time for a dog after hip dysplasia surgery varies based on the type of procedure performed. Generally, it takes six to eight weeks for a dog to recover from pet surgery.
During this period, it is crucial to follow the veterinary surgeon's at Pets on Broadway Animal Hospital post-operative care instructions, which may include restricted activity, cold laser therapy, and regular follow-up visits. Full recovery, where the dog can return to normal activity levels, may take up to six months.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
