Hip Evaluations for Dogs

Understanding Hip Problems in Pets

Just like people, dogs can experience hip pain due to joint disease, injury, or hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia. Hip problems often emerge in rapidly growing young pets and senior animals alike. Signs your dog may need a hip evaluation include:

• Limping or “bunny hopping” gait, especially after rest or play
• Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs
• ifficulty rising from a sitting or lying position
• Swaying or unsteady movement in the hind end
• Sensitivity or pain when hips are touched

Left unaddressed, hip problems often lead to progressive pain, weakness, and arthritis, severely impacting your pet’s comfort and activity.

Why Early Diagnosis and Intervention Matters

While minor strains and sprains may resolve with rest, underlying orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia or chronic arthritis require specialized management. Early diagnosis allows for better treatment options, from medical management to surgical correction, and helps minimize long-term joint damage.

What to Expect During a Hip Evaluation

• Comprehensive Orthopedic Exam: Dr. Harrison will perform a thorough evaluation, watching your pet’s movement and checking for pain, range of motion, and any abnormal clicks or grating in the hip joints.
• Imaging: X-rays are commonly recommended to confirm or rule out conditions like hip dysplasia, Legg Perthe’s disease, arthritis, or fractures and to guide the best treatment plan.
• Discussion of Surgical Options: Based on your pet’s diagnosis from your referring veterinary practice, we’ll discuss a surgical solution for your pet. The options include:
  • Medical management: pain relief, anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Physical rehabilitation: therapeutic exercises to build strength and protect the hips.
  • Surgical correction: considered for severely affected pets or those not responding to conservative therapies.

Hip Surgery: A Path to Long-Term Comfort

For pets with advanced hip disease—such as severe hip dysplasia or unmanageable arthritis—surgical options may be recommended, including Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO). This involves a removal of the head and neck of the femur to eliminate bone-on-bone pain and enable a “false joint” to form, restoring mobility for many dogs .Triple pelvic osteotomy(TPO) This involves changing the shape of the hip joint to provide stability and longevity to the natural hip joint.

Total Hip Replacement (THR) This involves replacing the hip joint with an artificial hip joint.

Dr. Harrison will guide you through the decision process, selecting the procedure that best suits your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health.

Supporting Your Pet Through Surgical Recovery

After your pet’s surgery, our compassionate team will provide:

• Detailed home care instructions and pain control
• Supportive rehabilitation exercises for safe, gradual strengthening
• Guidance about expected timeframes for recovery and return to favorite activities

Most dogs regain comfort and function—with the right care, they often return to enjoying walks and play, free from debilitating hip pain.

Schedule a Hip Evaluation

If you notice signs of hip discomfort in your pet, early action can make all the difference. Call The Bone, Joint and Spine Clinic at (614) 889-9555 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Harrison. There is no charge for such evaluations and consultations.

If your veterinarian has taken X Rays, please load them on your smartphone prior to your appointment – that will save us time and cost.