Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Dr. Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD
As a dog owner, you want the best for your pet, especially when it comes to their health and comfort. Unfortunately, canine hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that many dogs will face as they age (and some at an early age!), and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
There are several treatment options available; however, before you can decide which treatment option to pursue, you will need to understand the causes of OA, the treatments, and how the lifetime cost of care can influence your decisions.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about canine hip OA—what it is, what causes it, the different treatment options, and a detailed look at the costs associated with each option over your dog’s lifetime. This way, you can make the most informed decision to make sure your pup stays happy and comfortable.
What is Canine Hip Osteoarthritis?
Canine hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint deteriorates over time. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, and as it wears down, it causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.
The condition is progressive, meaning it worsens over time, and there is no cure. However, early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life, reducing pain and maintaining mobility for as long as possible.
What Causes Canine Hip Osteoarthritis?
The most common underlying cause of hip OA in dogs is canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint does not develop correctly, leading to instability in the joint and subsequent cartilage wear. Over time, this abnormal development leads to the degeneration of the joint, ultimately resulting in osteoarthritis.
While genetics play a significant role in the development of CHD, other factors, including rapid growth, excessive weight, and improper exercise during developmental stages, can contribute to or exacerbate the condition. Additionally, obesity is a known risk factor that can accelerate the onset of clinical symptoms, especially in predisposed dogs.
Main Treatment Options for Canine Hip Osteoarthritis
When it comes to managing canine hip osteoarthritis, there are three main treatment approaches: conservative management, femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), and total hip replacement (THR). Each of these options comes with its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on various factors, including your dog’s age, the severity of the disease, and your budget.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
1. Conservative Management
Conservative management is the non-surgical approach to treating hip osteoarthritis. This typically includes a combination of weight management, pain relief medications, nutritional supplements, and physical therapy.
- Pain Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation. Other medications, such as gabapentin or amantadine, may also be used to control chronic pain. CBD oil may provide some pain management benefits as well.
- Nutritional Management: Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Special joint-support diets are available to help manage OA symptoms.
- Exercise: Gentle, controlled exercise is critical for maintaining mobility and preventing muscle atrophy. Activities such as swimming or walking on soft surfaces can be beneficial without placing too much strain on the joints.
Pros of Conservative Management
- Non-invasive: No surgery is required, which can be a relief for pet parents concerned about the risks and recovery time associated with surgical procedures.
- Can be started early: Conservative management can begin as soon as your dog shows signs of OA, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.
- Flexible: You can adjust medications and treatments based on your dog’s needs and response to therapy.
Cons of Conservative Management
- Ongoing costs: While non-surgical, conservative management often requires long-term medications, special diets, and regular vet visits, which can add up over time.
- Limited effectiveness: For severe cases of OA, conservative treatments may not provide adequate pain relief or mobility improvement.
- Care burden: Owners may need to administer multiple medications daily and monitor for adverse side effects.
2. Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) is a surgical procedure where the ball of the hip joint is removed, and the surrounding muscles form a “false joint.” This surgery is often used for dogs with severe OA who are not candidates for total hip replacement due to factors like size or financial constraints.
Pros of FHNE
- Cost-effective: FHNE is typically less expensive than total hip replacement and provides long-term pain relief.
- Works for small and medium-sized dogs: Dogs weighing under 25 kg tend to have good outcomes with FHNE.
- Can be performed in more severe cases: FHNE is often recommended when conservative management is no longer effective.
Cons of FHNE
- Functional limitations: Dogs may experience reduced range of motion and muscle mass in the affected limb post-surgery.
- Mixed results in larger dogs: Larger dogs may not respond as well to FHNE and could experience long-term complications like intermittent lameness.
- Prolonged recovery: The recovery process can take several months, and owners need to commit to post-operative physical therapy.
3. Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total hip replacement (THR) is a more advanced surgical option where the entire hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This procedure is often recommended for dogs with severe OA who are otherwise healthy and can handle the recovery process.
Pros of THR
- Restores function: THR is the gold standard for restoring normal hip function in dogs with severe OA. Many dogs return to a near-normal quality of life post-surgery.
- Permanent solution: Unlike conservative management, which requires ongoing treatment, THR is a one-time procedure with long-lasting results.
- Great outcomes: Studies show that most dogs regain full mobility and experience significant pain relief after THR.
Cons of THR
- High upfront cost: THR is the most expensive treatment option, with costs often exceeding $7,000 USD.
- Risks of complications: There is a small risk of complications such as implant failure or infection, which may require additional surgeries.
- Long recovery period: Recovery from THR can take several months, and it requires careful post-operative care and physical therapy.
Comparative Costs of Treatment Options
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each treatment option, let’s look at the cost considerations. Based on a recent study examining the lifetime costs of each treatment for canine hip osteoarthritis (1), we can see how the expenses for each treatment vary depending on the age of the dog at the time of diagnosis.
The study analyzed costs from 11 referral centers across the U.S. and included factors like surgery costs, post-operative care, medications, and long-term management. Here’s how the costs compare:
Cost of Conservative Management
Conservative management tends to have lower upfront costs but can become expensive over time. On average, the daily cost of conservative management is around $2.31, but this can range depending on the medications used and the diet prescribed. For dogs who begin treatment at a younger age (around 1-2 years), the lifetime cost of conservative management can exceed $12,000.
Cost of Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
FHNE is the most cost-effective surgical option for dogs diagnosed with OA at a younger age. The average cost of FHNE is around $3,347, and even when factoring in post-surgery care, it remains the least expensive option for dogs that are diagnosed and treated before the age of 7. For example, a dog diagnosed and treated at 1 year of age could expect a lifetime cost of around $6,475 for FHNE.
Cost of Total Hip Replacement (THR)
THR is the most expensive option upfront, with an average surgery cost of around $7,064. However, for younger dogs, the lifetime cost of THR can still be lower than conservative management. For a dog diagnosed at 1 year of age, the lifetime cost of THR is around $7,610, which is less than the cost of conservative management over the same period.
However, for dogs diagnosed after age 4, conservative management becomes less expensive than THR, making it a more cost-effective option of the two for older dogs.
Age-Based Cost Effectiveness of Treatments
So, if you’re deciding based on lifetime cost alone, here’s a breakdown of which treatment option is most cost-effective at different ages:
- 1-7 Years Old: FHNE is the least expensive option. It offers long-term pain relief at a lower cost compared to both conservative management and THR.
- 8 Years and Older: Conservative management becomes the most cost-effective option for older dogs. The costs of surgery, combined with the longer recovery period, may not be justified for geriatric dogs.
- 1-4 Years Old: THR can still be a cost-effective option, especially for younger dogs who may benefit from restored function and long-term relief from hip osteoarthritis.
Cost Alone Isn’t Everything: Consider Your Dog’s Unique Needs
While this analysis focuses on lifetime costs, it’s important to remember that cost alone should not be the sole factor when deciding on a treatment option for canine hip osteoarthritis. This study provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of managing OA, but there are many other factors that can influence the success or failure of any given treatment.
For example, a dog’s breed and size can have a significant impact on the outcome of different treatments. Smaller dogs often fare better after femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) than larger dogs, who may experience more complications or reduced mobility.
Similarly, larger breeds, like Labradors or German Shepherds, are often better candidates for total hip replacement (THR) due to the increased demands on their joints.
On the other hand, smaller dogs may not need such a drastic intervention and can do well with conservative management or FHNE.
Additionally, your dog’s overall health plays a critical role in determining the best course of action. Dogs with other health conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues, may not be suitable candidates for surgery due to the risks associated with anesthesia and recovery. In these cases, conservative management may be a safer option.
On the flip side, younger, otherwise healthy dogs may benefit greatly from surgical options like THR, which can restore joint function and improve long-term quality of life.
Another key consideration is how advanced the osteoarthritis is when your dog is diagnosed. If your dog is in the early stages of hip OA, conservative management may help delay the need for surgery.
However, if the disease is advanced, surgical options may provide better long-term relief. Each dog’s progression is unique, and a treatment that works well for one dog may not be effective for another.
It’s also important to think about your dog’s lifestyle and activity level. Active dogs, or dogs that engage in activities like agility or hiking, may benefit from a more robust solution like THR, which can allow them to return to higher levels of physical activity post-recovery.
In contrast, less active dogs or older dogs who are content with a slower pace may do well with more conservative approaches.
Because of these factors, it’s essential to have an in-depth conversation with your veterinarian about your dog’s individual needs. Your vet can provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment based on your dog’s breed, size, age, overall health, and lifestyle. They can also discuss the potential risks and benefits of each option and help you weigh those against the financial implications.
Final Thoughts
In short, while the cost of treatment is an important consideration, it’s just one part of a bigger picture.
Tailoring the treatment to your dog’s specific circumstances will ensure they receive the best care possible, enhancing their quality of life and keeping them comfortable for as long as possible.
Always talk to your veterinarian to determine the most suitable option for your dog’s individual needs.
Source:
(1). Eginton, K. A., & Gordon-Evans, W. J. (2024). Lifetime cost of surgical treatment for canine hip osteoarthritis is less than conservative management in dogs under eight years of age. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 262(8), 1076-1080. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.01.0043
