🦴 Hip Dislocation in Pets: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Hip Luxation and Surgical Options 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What Is a Hip Dislocation?

A hip dislocation—also called a hip luxation—occurs when the femoral head (ball of the hip joint) is forcibly displaced from the pelvic socket (acetabulum). This painful injury is usually the result of trauma, such as being hit by a car, a high fall, or even rough play in dogs with preexisting joint laxity 🧠.

To understand how dislocation occurs, it helps to picture the hip joint. It's a classic ball-and-socket joint held together by the capital ligament, hip muscles, joint capsule, and a rim of bone. When trauma breaks the ligament and tears the joint capsule, the femoral head slips upward and forward—resulting in a classic luxation 🦴.

🐶 Recognizing Hip Dislocation

Key signs include:

• 🚶‍♂️ Sudden, non-weight-bearing lameness
• 🦵 Affected leg appears shorter
• 😟 Obvious pain or inability to walk
• 🔻 Pelvic asymmetry or hip misalignment

While these signs are obvious, X-rays are still necessary to confirm dislocation, assess for fractures, and check for complicating factors like hip dysplasia or growth plate damage 📸.

📸 Why Radiographs Are Essential

Even when the dislocation is obvious, imaging is vital for:

• 🧱 Detecting bone chips (e.g. avulsion of the capital ligament attachment)
• 🧬 Evaluating for preexisting hip dysplasia or arthritis
• 👶 Checking for growth plate damage in puppies and kittens

A bone fragment inside the joint or a dysplastic socket can complicate treatment, potentially ruling out a manual (closed) reduction.

🔧 Treatment Options for Hip Luxation

1️⃣ Closed Reduction (Manual Repositioning)

If the dislocation is recent (usually < 3 days), and the joint otherwise looks normal, vets may attempt a closed reduction—replacing the femoral head without surgery under anesthesia.

• ✅ Non-invasive and less costly
• ⚠️ Reluxation (repeat dislocation) is common—especially in cats
• 🛌 Requires 2+ weeks of strict rest

Post-reduction stabilization may involve an Ehmer sling (a wrap that holds the leg in place), but many vets now favor crate rest alone due to sling-related complications 🎯.

2️⃣ Open Reduction (Surgical Repair)

When closed reduction fails—or isn't feasible due to joint damage—surgery is needed. Options include:

• 🧵 Capsule repair – suturing the torn joint capsule
• 🪛 Suture anchoring – using screws and synthetic sutures to recreate ligament stability
• 📍 Transarticular pinning – placing a pin to hold the joint in place while healing

Post-surgical confinement and rehab are essential, but long-term function is often excellent—especially when performed early ⏳.

3️⃣ Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

If the socket is too shallow (hip dysplasia), the bones are fractured, or reluxation keeps occurring, your vet may recommend an FHO—removal of the femoral head to form a pain-free false joint.

• 🟢 Best for small dogs (<50 lbs) and cats
• 💪 False joint forms from fibrous tissue and muscle support
• ⏳ Full function typically returns in 2–3 months

FHO is less costly than total hip replacement and widely available. It’s a reliable option for many pets suffering from hip luxation or severe arthritis 💚.

📅 Recovery and Rehab

Regardless of treatment method, healing takes time. Here’s what to expect:

🛏️ Weeks 1–2:

• 🧊 Cold compresses, anti-inflammatories
• 🚫 No running or jumping
• 🐾 Leash walks only for potty breaks

🏋️ Weeks 3–6:

• 🚶 Gradual return to activity
• 🧘 Gentle exercises: uphill walking, figure 8s, dancing drills
• 💧 Hydrotherapy is excellent for joint-friendly movement

Ask your vet about rehab plans or physical therapy for advanced support 📋.

💡 When to Consider Surgery Right Away

• ❌ Dislocation >3 days old
• ❌ Significant bone damage or arthritis
• ❌ Growth plate involvement in young animals
• ❌ Hip dysplasia on X-rays

In these cases, manual reduction has a poor prognosis. Surgery offers better pain control and long-term function 🛠️.

📲 Ask A Vet for Hip Injury Support

If your pet is limping or has a confirmed hip luxation, get expert help at AskAVet.com 🐾.

• 🧠 Second opinions on X-rays and treatment
• 📋 Post-op care and rehab planning
• 💬 Support with crate rest or FHO recovery

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to chat with licensed vets like Dr Duncan Houston anytime—on your schedule 📲.

💚 Final Thoughts

Hip luxation is painful but treatable. With early diagnosis, the right treatment plan, and careful rehab, most pets regain full or near-normal mobility 🐕🎉.

If your dog or cat is limping, don’t delay. Visit AskAVet.com or download the app to get your pet on the road to recovery 🩺.