Hip disease in dogs and cats is one of the most common causes of pain, lameness and reduced mobility. Whether it’s a traumatic fracture, a hip dislocation, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease or advanced arthritis, hip problems can significantly affect your pet’s quality of life. The good news is that many forms of hip disease in dogs and cats can be successfully managed — and often surgically corrected — when diagnosed early.
Understanding the different types of hip disease in dogs and cats helps owners recognise warning signs and seek treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Hip Fractures and Hip Dislocations
Hip fractures and dislocations are usually caused by trauma such as being hit by a car, falling from a height, or severe impact injuries. A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the femur pops out of the socket, while fractures involve a break in the pelvic bones or femur.
Signs include sudden non-weight-bearing lameness, severe pain, swelling, and reluctance to move.
Treatment options may include closed reduction (manually replacing the hip under anaesthesia), surgical stabilisation, fracture repair with plates and screws, or in some cases a femoral head and neck excision (FHO). Early intervention is critical to prevent long-term complications.
These conditions are usually very easy to spot that something is wrong – your pet will suddenly be unable to bear weight on the affected leg. We will do a full examination and x-rays of the leg to make a diagnosis and recommend surgical treatment. Our veterinary team is experienced in all types of hip fractures and dislocations and their repair.
You can read more about orthopaedic recovery in our article on post-operative care after orthopaedic surgery:
https://www.cottagevet.co.za/blog/post-op-care-orthopaedic
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint does not form properly. Over time, this abnormal joint movement leads to inflammation, cartilage damage and eventually arthritis.
Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs such as Labradors, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, but smaller breeds can also be affected.
Signs may include:
- Bunny-hopping gait
- Difficulty rising
- Reluctance to jump
- Muscle loss in the hind limbs
- Stiffness after rest
Treatment depends on severity and age. Options range from weight management and joint supplements to surgical procedures such as:
- Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (in young puppies)
- Triple pelvic osteotomy
- Femoral head and neck excision (FHO)
- Total hip replacement
At-risk breeds should be monitored carefully for hip dysplasia. We recommend examination throughout their first year of life and x-rays should they be showing any symptoms. Some procedures need to be done before growth is complete to prevent problems later. In many cases, we only know about hip dysplasia once our pets are older and have developed hip arthritis. Then we may need to manage their pain long term to keep them active and pain free.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is most commonly seen in small breed dogs such as Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles. It occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone collapse and severe pain. This usually occurs in dogs younger than 18 months.
Affected pets may show progressive lameness in one hind leg, pain on hip extension and muscle wasting.
The treatment of choice is usually surgical — most commonly a femoral head and neck excision. We remove the affected ball of the hip and thereby remove the source of the pain. With proper recovery and rehabilitation, many dogs regain excellent function.
Hip Arthritis
Regardless of the original cause — dysplasia, trauma or developmental disease — chronic hip disease often progresses to arthritis.
Signs of arthritis include:
- Slowing down on walks
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Stiffness after sleeping
- Irritability when touched over the hips
Management may include:
- Weight control
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Joint diets
- Injectable arthritis treatments
- Physiotherapy
- Surgical intervention in severe cases
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Not all hip disease in dogs and cats requires surgery. However, surgery may be recommended when:
- Pain cannot be controlled medically
- There is severe instability
- There is significant joint damage
- Trauma has caused fracture or dislocation
Modern orthopaedic surgery can dramatically improve comfort and long-term mobility when appropriately selected.
Why Early Detection Matters
Hip disease in dogs and cats is often progressive. The earlier it is identified, the more options we have to slow progression, manage pain and preserve mobility.
Annual check-ups, weight management and early imaging when lameness appears can make a significant difference in outcomes.
If you are noticing stiffness, limping or difficulty rising, don’t wait.
👉 Book an orthopaedic consultation at Cottage Vet Clinic today:
https://www.cottagevet.co.za/contact-us
