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+.
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.
For all pets enrolled before their 6th birthday, there is a twelve-month waiting period for hip dysplasia coverage, which begins on the policy effective date.1, 2 Your policy effective date starts at 12:01 a.m. of the day following the date you enroll your pet. For additional information please click here to see policy specific provisions related to hip dysplasia for your applicable state.
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 the 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.
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.
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1 Waiting periods for hip dysplasia do not apply to the states of Maryland and New Hampshire.
2 For pets enrolled in the state of Maine, there is a 30-day waiting period from the pet policy effective date for hip dysplasia not resulting from an accident.
However, this waiting period will be waived by us upon completion of a complete clinical examination.
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