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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
- The insurance advice, products, and links below are intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is licensed as an insurance producer.Insurance advice, products, and links contained in this article are currently intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is currently licensed as an insurance producer. As we expand our licensing to other states we will update our websites and links. If you are located in a state in which we are not currently licensed, but would like to learn more about pet insurance products available in your state, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state. The information provided below is offered for educational and informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding particular plans, you should reach out to your insurance company for more information.
Being a pet parent comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to your pet’s health. One common health concern for pet parents—particularly dog owners—is hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect the mobility and comfort of our pets.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most serious and common conditions that affects dogs (and occasionally cats). It’s a costly issue, too—there are three different surgeries commonly performed to treat hip dysplasia, and the cost for them ranges from $1,200 to $7,000 per hip.
To help offset these potential future costs, pet parents may consider pet insurance, which could provide hip dysplasia coverage for their pets under certain conditions. Let’s dive in further.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a genetic malformation of the hip joint, causing an improper fit between the ball and socket in the hip. This leads to instability in the joints along with wear and tear, often resulting in arthritis and pain for your pet. While hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, environmental factors such as rapid growth and excess weight can make the condition worse.
It’s a condition common in dogs, but rare in cats.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia
There are a few different symptoms of hip dysplasia that pet parents can be on the lookout for, and they are most likely to show up in dogs 1 to 2 years old. Symptoms include weakness and pain in the hind legs. Your dog may also appear unsteady and hesitant to get up from a sitting or laying down position.
Pet parents should note that while hip dysplasia starts when dogs are puppies, they typically don’t show signs until they’re older, after their bones have started deteriorating.
Hip dysplasia treatment
The course of treatment may be dependent on how severe your pet’s case is and how much pain they’re in. Some pets may be suited for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and joint supplements, like omega-3 supplements, in conjunction with a physical therapy regimen.
In more severe cases, hip dysplasia can be treated with a few different surgical techniques.
Breeds most affected by hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an issue in large dog breeds, especially, whether purebred or mixed breed. This condition is particularly common in Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and German Shepherds.
However, it’s important to note that smaller breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, can also develop hip dysplasia.
Pet Insurance and Hip Dysplasia
There are three main types of pet insurance plans: standard accident and illness (comprehensive insurance), accident-only (catastrophic insurance), and wellness plans (offered as riders / add-ons to your regular insurance). Hip dysplasia is an illness, or condition, and would typically just be covered under a standard accident and illness plan.
The key to getting any pet insurance coverage for hip dysplasia is to enroll in a policy when your pet is young before any symptoms first appear. If your dog has already shown signs of hip dysplasia before you’ve gotten a pet insurance policy, you can pretty much guarantee that you won’t be able to get it covered because it’ll then be considered a pre-existing condition. There are no pet insurance providers that cover pre-existing conditions.
If you do enroll in an accident and illness policy before your pet shows signs of hip dysplasia, you can typically expect coverage for items like diagnostics, treatment, and surgical interventions. However, the level of coverage will depend on your provider and the terms of your policy, including reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual coverage limit.
For more on how this works, visit What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does it Work?
Hip dysplasia waiting periods
After your pet insurance policy begins, there’s a waiting period before coverage kicks in. The length of this period depends on your provider, and you’ll want to examine the terms of your waiting period closely before settling on a provider. Many have specific waiting periods for orthopedic conditions, like hip dysplasia, that are much lengthier than a standard 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, from 6 months to a year.
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?