If your dog has hip dysplasia or you have a breed that is susceptible to hip dysplasia, you’re probably wondering if there is dog insurance that covers hip dysplasia. The answer is yes, but you need to know there are stipulations with that coverage. Learn all about hip dysplasia treatment, its costs, and how dog insurance works below.
Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Many large breed dogs are at risk for a medical condition called hip dysplasia. Pups with this condition have many options to treat it such as joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, joint fluid modifiers, and for severe cases – surgery.
Surgeries most commonly performed for hip dysplasia include:
- Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
- Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
- Total Hip Replacement
The Cost of Hip Dysplasia Treatment
The average cost pet owners can expect to pay for hip dysplasia surgery is $1,700 to more than $4,500. This includes the costs of:
- Exam
- Surgery
- Anesthesia
- Operating Room Use
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Checkups
The costs of minimally invasive treatments can add up and surgery is definitely a budget buster. This is why many dog owners want to know if there is dog insurance that covers hip dysplasia.
Does Insurance Cover Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia coverage is possible BUT only if the dog is enrolled in a pet insurance policy BEFORE the onset of the condition. Pre-existing medical conditions are not part of comprehensive coverage with pet insurance plans.
Pet owners who decide to own a breed known to be predisposed to hip dysplasia should consider enrolling in a pet insurance plan as soon as possible. It’s the only way to have dog insurance that covers hip dysplasia.
When Your Dog Already Has Hip Dysplasia
Pet parents with a dog that has hip dysplasia may have to pay for treatment themselves, but not always. The following scenario can lead to coverage for a hip joint treatment and even hip replacement.
A pet’s age starts to creep up and the signs of hip dysplasia are noticed:
- Less Active
- Reduced Range of Motion
- Swaying
- Bunny Hopping Gait
- Difficulty Running, Jumping, etc.
- Pain
- Stiffness
The pet parent begins joint supplements per the recommendation of the vet. On the next visit, the vet remarks that hip dysplasia has improved and there is no longer a problem. A year later, it is possible to enroll in dog insurance that covers hip dysplasia.
Most dog insurance providers only consider the last year or less when looking at medical history to determine pre-existing conditions.
What To Do if Your Dog Doesn’t have Hip Dysplasia
If your dog doesn’t have hip dysplasia but the dog’s breed is susceptible to suffering from it, consider getting pet health insurance. Not only will it help you pay for accidents and illness with its emergency coverage, but it will cover hip dysplasia treatment at the onset of the condition.
Many dog owners shy away from pet health insurance when their dog is young but then regret their decision when they have older pets. You never know what could happen and as a pet’s age increases, the medical concerns can increase, and vet bills won’t be covered depending on how the pet health insurance company assesses pre-existing conditions.
So, if you’re reading this, don’t wait – get a quote from a pet insurance company and enroll in the best one for you and your dog’s needs.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia
If your dog already has hip dysplasia and it’s mild, wait to see if the supplements and preliminary treatment resolve the condition. This happens when the condition is caught early enough. After a year with no mention of hip dysplasia on the vet’s record, it’s a good idea to enroll in a pet insurance plan. Older dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia again, especially large dogs. At least the second time there is a diagnosis, you will have pet insurance coverage.
Hip dysplasia should not stop you from purchasing pet health insurance. It can serve as a warning sign that it’s a good idea to have coverage for other pet age-related conditions. Since it covers emergency care, you will be covered if anything unrelated to hip dysplasia occurs.
Wellness plans do not cover vet bills that include services associated with hip dysplasia, but they will cover other veterinary care.
So, even though your dog may have active hip dysplasia, enrolling in a plan with a pet health insurance company is beneficial.
