Great Dane owners are known to take impeccable care of their dogs. So when pet parents see their beloved pup suffering from hip dysplasia-related discomfort, something indicative of the breed, it makes sense that they are willing to shell out thousands on dysplasia surgery for dogs. Our guide on the price of hip dysplasia surgery for your Great Dane breaks down all you need to know to improve your dog’s quality of life and restore joint stability.
How Much Does Great Dane Hip Dysplasia Surgery Cost?
Depending on the type of surgery your veterinarian recommends for your Great Dane, the cost of hip dysplasia surgery varies. Treating hip dysplasia can cost as little as $800 and upwards of $6300. Read about the different types of surgery available below for more specific price ranges.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint of dogs. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and in dogs with hip dysplasia, the socket is shallow. This can cause the ball to slip out of place, which leads to pain and lameness.
Hip dysplasia is thought to be genetic, and it can be worsened by obesity or injury.
Treatment for hip dysplasia includes weight management, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.
Primary Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Great Danes
There are a few primary causes of hip dysplasia in dogs. One is genetics – if your Great Dane’s parents or grandparents had the condition, there’s a good chance your dog will too. Inherited from their parents, hip dysplasia is caused by a malformation of the hip joint.
Another common cause is rapid growth – if your Great Dane pup grows too fast, their joints may not be able to keep up, which can lead to hip dysplasia. This is often due to overfeeding or feeding a puppy food that is too high in calories. Puppies should be fed a diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level, and they should not be allowed to become overweight. If you think your dog may be growing too fast, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to slow down their growth.
Lastly, being overweight can put extra strain on your dog’s hips, so it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight. The extra weight puts strain on the hips and can lead to wear and tear on the joint, eventually causing pain and lameness.
If your Great Dane is overweight, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan. Reducing your dog’s weight will help relieve their pain and improve their mobility.
Popular Breeds Predisposed to Hip Dysplasia
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs. Some dog breeds are simply more predisposed to developing hip dysplasia than others. In addition to Great Danes, other large and giant breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia include:
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Bulldogs
- Rottweilers
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Any large or giant breed dog may be at increased risk for developing hip dysplasia. If you’re concerned about your dog’s risk, be sure to speak with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if your dog is predisposed and what you can do to help prevent the condition.
The best way to prevent hip dysplasia is to start with a healthy pup. If you’re looking to add a new furry family member, be sure to do your research. Choose a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs for hip dysplasia and other genetic conditions. And, of course, make sure you’re prepared to provide your dog with all the love (and exercise) they need to stay happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.
While there’s no guarantee that you can completely prevent hip dysplasia, taking these precautions will give your dog the best chance at a healthy life free from this painful condition.
Hip dysplasia is just one more reason why it’s so important to do your research before you choose a dog breed. By understanding the genetic risks associated with different breeds, you can help ensure that you’re choosing a dog that is right for you and your family.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
There are several signs that may indicate your dog has hip dysplasia. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for an examination:
- Limping or reluctance to move
- Difficulty rising or sitting
- Stiffness after exercise or rest
- Swelling around the hip area
- Pain when touched around the hip area
If you think your dog may have hip dysplasia, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. Nothing is worse for a pet parent than seeing your dogs suffering from considerable pain. They will be able to perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for your dog. With proper treatment, many dogs suffering from hip dysplasia can lead happy and healthy lives.
Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
There are several tests that your vet can perform to diagnose hip dysplasia. The most common is an x-ray, which can show joint abnormalities. Your vet may also recommend blood tests and/or a physical examination.
Treatment of a hip dysplasia diagnosis will vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include weight management, exercise modification, anti-inflammatory medication, surgery, or a combination of these therapies.
Different Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
There are a couple of different options to treat hip dysplasia and for dog hip dysplasia surgery. These all involve different procedures and different prices. Unfortunately, you cannot simply pick and choose which surgery your Great Dane will have – this depends on a number of factors including age, weight, and preexisting conditions.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
JPS surgery is a common procedure for Great Danes that are born with hip dysplasia. The surgery involves fusing the two pubic bones together so that they can grow properly. This helps to prevent the hips from dislocating and keeps the dog’s mobility in check.
The surgery is typically performed when the pup is between four and six months old. It is most effective when the pup is younger since the hip joint fuses as the dog grow. It is a fairly simple procedure that does not require a lot of recovery time. Most dogs are able to return to their normal activities with improved hip function within a few weeks.
If you think your dog may be a candidate for JPS surgery, talk to your veterinarian about it. They will be able to give you more information on the risks and benefits of the procedure.
JPS surgery cost
Pricing for JPS Great Dane hip dysplasia surgery costs as little as $800 per hip.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
FHO surgery is a procedure to remove the head of the femur bone. This is done in order to relieve pain and restore function in the joint. The ‘false joint’ plus scar tissue formed essentially forms a new hip joint. The surgery is performed by making an incision over the hip joint and then removing the femoral head of the bone.
After the surgery, your Dane will need to be on crate rest for at least six weeks. This means that they will need to stay in a small space, such as a crate or pen, in order to keep them from moving around too much and damaging their new hip joint. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how to care for your dog during this time.
It’s important to keep your Great Dane from becoming overweight during their recovery. This is because extra weight can put unnecessary stress on the new joint and delay healing. Your veterinarian can help you create a diet and exercise plan that is right for your dog’s needs.
FHO surgery is a common procedure that can help relieve pain and restore function in your dog’s hip joint. With proper care, your dog can make a full recovery and enjoy its life to the fullest.
It should be noted, however, that this type of hip dysplasia surgery is usually performed on smaller dogs that weigh no more than 50 lbs, so it might not be an option for your Great Dane depending on his size.
FHO Surgery Cost
FHO surgical treatment costs in the range of $1000 to $2500 per hip.
Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO / TPO)
Pelvic osteotomy is a type of orthopedic surgery used to correct hip dysplasia in dogs. The procedure involves cutting and realigning the bones of the pelvis so that the hip joint is properly aligned. Two or three of the bones are cut (hence the name of the surgery, double or triple pelvic osteotomy). This can be done using either one large incision (open pelvic osteotomy) or two small incisions (closed pelvic osteotomy).
The most common reason for performing this surgery is to improve quality of life and increase mobility in dogs with hip dysplasia. In some cases, it may also be necessary to prevent further damage to the joint or to relieve pain.
After DPO or TPO surgery, dogs will need to rest for several weeks to allow their bones to heal properly. They will also need to wear a special harness or sling during this time to prevent them from putting too much weight on their hips. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve the range of motion.
DPO and TPO surgical procedures are performed on dogs younger than 10 months of age.
DPO / TPO Surgery cost
There is a lot of variation in the cost of a DPO or TPO surgery for your Great Dane. However, most prices fall in the range of between $1800 to $4200 per hip.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the damaged ball and socket joint of the hip with an artificial implant – i.e., the entire hip joint. This surgery is usually performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs that have hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases in order to restore normal hip function.
After the damaged bone and cartilage are removed, an artificial joint (prosthesis) is placed into the empty space. The prosthesis consists of two parts: a metal cup that is inserted into the socket of the pelvic bone, and a metal or ceramic ball that is attached to the femur.
In some cases, a plastic or metal sleeve may be placed over the neck of the femur to provide additional stability. The artificial joint is then secured in place with bone cement, metal implants, or other fixation devices.
Most dogs that undergo total hip replacement surgery experience significant pain relief and an improvement in mobility, coming close to a normal range. However, it is important to note that this surgery is not a cure for arthritis or other degenerative joint diseases. In most cases, these conditions will continue to progress even after surgery has been performed.
Total hip replacement surgery is generally considered to be a safe and effective procedure; however, as with any type of surgery, there are some risks and complications that can occur. These include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and problems with the artificial joint.
If you are considering total hip replacement surgery for your dog, be sure to consult with a board-certified veterinary surgeon to discuss all of the risks and benefits involved. This type of surgery is typically reserved for dogs that have failed to respond to other conservative treatment options, such as weight management, physical therapy, and medication.
THR surgery cost
THR surgery is not very budget-friendly. The surgery alone can cost over $6300 per hip. This is not inclusive of post-surgical care, pre-surgical bloodwork, pain meds, or consultation appointments.
Summing Up
Owning a Great Dane isn’t cheap! Between the cost of stomach tacking, the cost of feeding your Great Dane, and the other lifetime costs associated with owning a Great Dane, the bills sure can add up. However, that’s a responsibility we take on as dog owners.
Depending on the type of surgery your Great Dane’s hip dysplasia requires, you can expect to spend between $800 and $6300 (per hip). Although it’s an expensive endeavor, left untreated hip dysplasia could result in lameness or a lifetime of considerable pain. Talk to your veterinarian today if you suspect your Great Dane has hip dysplasia.
