Hip dysplasia surgery costs $3,000-$6,000 - and yes, cats get it too. The hip joint doesn't form properly, causing looseness and cartilage damage. Large breeds like Maine Coons are most prone. Conservative treatment costs $500-$1,500; severe cases need surgery.
Reluctance to jump or climb. Difficulty rising after resting. Narrow, swaying gait in hind legs. Reduced activity. Stiffness worsens in cold weather. Muscle loss in hind legs while front legs become more muscular. Litter box avoidance if sides are too high.
X-rays ($200-$500) under sedation are essential-show joint looseness, shallow acetabulum, and arthritic changes. Both hips should be radiographed for comparison.
Conservative ($500-$1,500): weight management, pain medications ($30-$80/month), supplements, physical therapy. Surgery ($3,000-$6,000): FHO removes the femoral ball-cats do remarkably well. Total hip replacement ($5,000-$8,000) available at specialty centers.
Diagnosis plus conservative or surgical treatment. Conservative management is ongoing. FHO surgery is usually one-time with good results. $700-$7,000 depending on severity and treatment path.
Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, and British Shorthair are most commonly affected. Larger, heavier breeds have higher rates. Maine Coons have the highest prevalence among cat breeds.
Hip dysplasia is progressive. Without intervention, the joint deteriorates and arthritis develops. Early diagnosis and weight management significantly slow the progression.
Keep your cat at an ideal weight - obesity makes hip dysplasia much worse. Avoid breeding affected cats. Responsible breeding programs screen for hip dysplasia.
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Diagnosis plus conservative or surgical treatment.
Most comprehensive policies cover hip dysplasia if enrolled before symptoms appear. Standard 14-day illness waiting period applies; many impose 6-12 month orthopedic waiting period. Surgery, X-rays, pain medications, and follow-up visits typically covered.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, and some budget policies exclude hereditary conditions entirely-major gap for purebred owners. Maine Coons, Persians, Ragdolls need explicit hereditary/congenital coverage. Read exclusions carefully before enrolling.
FHO surgery ($3,000-$6,000) easily justifies insurance. Total hip replacement reaches $8,000. Add imaging, anesthesia, post-op medications, rehabilitation-hip dysplasia costs exceed lifetime premiums. Insurance covers catastrophic expense.
If both hips need treatment, insurers may apply one deductible for both. Some plans have per-condition annual limits insufficient for bilateral surgery. Check per-condition maximum.
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