Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Cats and Dogs

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs and Cats:

What Pet Insurance Can Cover

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Cats and Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition of the hip joint that is more common in large breed dogs but can also be seen in smaller breeds even some cats. Pets diagnosed by a veterinarian with this condition have improper development of the ball and socket of the hip joint. When the ball does not move smoothly in the socket as it should, it can rub and grind, causing discomfort and deterioration.

To diagnose hip dysplasia in pets, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination, but they may also call for radiographs (X-rays) for a definitive diagnosis. For more information on hip dysplasia in dogs, please refer to our essential guide, here.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment can involve lifestyle modifications (such as weight loss and exercise restriction), medications, physical therapy, or surgery. The most common surgeries for hip dysplasia are femoral head ostectomy (FHO), double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) or a total hip replacement (THR). Surgery can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $6,000+.

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Is Hip Dysplasia Covered by Pet Insurance?

The Healthy Paws plan insures the veterinary costs associated with hip dysplasia for pets under the age of six at the time of enrollment. Insurance may include diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, and medications, provided the condition is eligible for coverage (meaning that it is not pre-existing and did not occur during the waiting period). Pets age six or greater at the time of enrollment are not eligible for hip dysplasia coverage.

Hip Dysplasia Waiting Period

For all pets enrolled before their 6th birthday, there may be a waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage, which begins on the policy effective date. Your policy effective date starts at 12:01 a.m. of the day following the date you enroll your pet. Please review your state-specific information regarding pet enrollment age and waiting periods for more details.

Are There any Exclusions or Limitations for Hip Dysplasia Coverage?

With the Healthy Paws plan, there are no payout caps for veterinary costs related to the diagnosis, treatment, and care for hip dysplasia, so long as the condition is eligible for coverage (meaning that it is not pre-existing and did not occur during any applicable waiting period).

The Healthy Paws plan does not have breed-specific exclusions for this (or any) condition.

The plan does not cover the exam fee related to hip dysplasia treatment, and pets that are 6 years of age or greater on the date of enrollment are not eligible for hip dysplasia coverage.

Total claims amount:

$6,419

Coverage:

80% | $250 deductible

Healthy Paws covered:

$4,768

Coco's Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Sonja and her dog Coco have a very special bond and they go almost everywhere together; restaurants, stores, festivals, and friends' houses. Coco is a naturally happy pup whose tail is always wagging and everyone in the neighborhood knows Coco by name.

At age 3, Sonja noticed that Coco stopped jumping straight into the back seat of the car and instead jumped onto the floorboard and then into the seat. It would also happen that when Coco tried to jump into the bed, her back legs would miss the bed. When their favorite pet sitter noticed a clicking noise when Coco stood up, she mentioned that this could be a symptom of hip dysplasia. Sonja immediately took Coco to the vet and after taking x-rays, Coco was unfortunately diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Treatment would require a total hip replacement surgery on one side.

After twelve long weeks of recovery, Coco's vets were thrilled by her recovery progress. Sonja recalled her recheck visit to the vet: "She's doing better than they expected, and you would never be able to tell she had a hip replacement!" Read Coco's full story.

The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law. Facts may have been changed to protect privacy of the parties involved.

Insureds providing testimonials have not received compensation for their statements.

Total claims amount:

$6,419

Coverage:

80% | $250 deductible

Healthy Paws covered:

$4,768

Coco's Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Insureds providing testimonials have not received compensation for their statements.

Our Commitment to Our Customers

The Healthy Paws Pet Insurance plan is easy to understand, reimburses quickly, and you can count on us to help, especially when it comes to reducing the stress of caring for a sick pet.

Our commitment is to provide you and your pet with the best customer service and best pet insurance plan in the country. We are grateful to our pet-passionate customers for sharing their love of our plan and service by giving us positive reviews at Consumers Advocate.

Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.

Get rates for your pet:

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs and Cats: What Pet Insurance Can Cover

Get rates for your pet:

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Cats and Dogs

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs and Cats:

What Pet Insurance Can Cover

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Cats and Dogs

Is Hip Dysplasia Covered by Pet Insurance?

Hip Dysplasia Waiting Period

Are There any Exclusions or Limitations for Hip Dysplasia Coverage?

Total claims amount:

$6,419

Coverage:

80% | $250 deductible

Healthy Paws covered:

$4,768

Coco's Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Total claims amount:

$6,419

Coverage:

80% | $250 deductible

Healthy Paws covered:

$4,768

Coco's Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Our Commitment to Our Customers

Get an instant quote now and take the first step to protect your furry best friend.