Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

What is hip dysplasia?

According to PetMD, hip dysplasia is a painful condition that occurs in dogs' growth stage. It causes loosening of the hip joint, leading to painful arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility. Research shows that hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that large breed dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are at greatest risk for.

Hip dysplasia can occur in cats, and it's also thought to be hereditary. According to Cornell University's Feline Health Center, the condition involves a malformation of the ball-and-socket joint that connects a cat's thigh bone (femur) to its hip. This malformation can cause the joint to become loose, which can cause painful osteoarthritis.

What are the treatment options for hip dysplasia?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) outlines several options for treating hip dysplasia in dogs, including:

• Weight reduction
• Exercise restriction
• Physical therapy
• Joint supplements
• Medications
• Joint fluid modifiers

Surgical options for hip dysplasia treatment include:

• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
• Femoral Head osteotomy (FHO)
• Total hip replacement (THR)

How much does hip dysplasia treatment for dogs cost?

PetMD offers examples of the wide variation in the cost of hip dysplasia surgery, ranging from $1,500 to $7,000. Medical treatments over the dog's lifetime, including pain medications and joint supplements could cost you between $4,800 and $19,200 to manage.

What's the cost of treatment for cats with hip dysplasia?

The cost of surgical treatment for severe hip dysplasia in cats varies and could fall within the range of $1,500 - $3,000, while a total hip replacement for a cat could run $4,000 or more according to Daily Paws.

Daily Paws recommends several non-surgical treatments for hip dysplasia in cats, such as:

• Weight management
• Regular exercise including interactive play
• Joint supplements
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy

What is a bilateral condition exclusion with pet insurance?

A bilateral (having two sides) condition affects both sides of the body. Hip dysplasia is an example of a bilateral condition. If your cat or dog experiences hip dysplasia on the right side, there's a significant chance of them getting the same condition on the left side. So, a bilateral condition exclusion excludes coverage for one side if the other side received treatment before your pet insurance policy's waiting period expired. However, you can still get pet insurance if your pet already has hip dysplasia. Just understand that the policy won't cover hip dysplasia as it is a pre-existing condition.

If you're considering getting a larger, purebred dog, but you've got concerns about hip dysplasia as they age, you might get pet insurance while they're still a puppy before symptoms begin to develop. You can also take the steps that AKC recommends helping to prevent hip dysplasia, such as providing proper nutrition to manage your large dog's weight and allowing them ample opportunities to get exercise.

Pet insurance and hip dysplasia

Note that hip dysplasia coverage through cat or dog insurance typically depends on your plan and whether it was a pre-existing condition. And some insurers won't cover hip dysplasia surgery or treatment if your pet's breed has a genetic disposition for the condition — they consider it a pre-existing condition for certain breeds. Some insurers employ a longer waiting period specifically for common genetic issues like hip dysplasia.

What treatments are covered for hip dysplasia?

If your pet insurance policy covers hip dysplasia, you can make a claim for any hip dysplasia treatment conducted by a licensed vet. Coverage can include hip dysplasia treatment like surgery and physical therapy (extra coverage may be required) up to your plan's limit. You may also have to purchase extra coverage for chiropractic care and eligible prescriptions that you can use.

Ready to get your pet covered?

Get a pet insurance quote online or call 1-877-298-0639 to speak with a representative about your options.