Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on canine hip dysplasia in Malaysia as of February 2026. Costs vary by clinic, location, and severity. For insurance coverage details, review your specific policy wording and the full exclusions list. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice about your pet.
Your Golden Retriever has started struggling to stand up after lying down. He's bunny-hopping when he runs and seems stiff after walks. If your dog is showing these signs, hip dysplasia could be the reason. It's one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs, and in Malaysia, it's particularly prevalent in popular large breeds.
This guide explains what hip dysplasia is, which breeds are most affected, how it's diagnosed and treated in Malaysia, what it costs, and how pet insurance handles this hereditary condition.
Here's what we'll cover:
- What hip dysplasia is and why it happens
- Dog breeds most at risk
- Symptoms to watch for at different stages
- Diagnosis and treatment options in Malaysia
- Vet costs for hip dysplasia treatment
- How Oyen's hereditary conditions coverage works
- What you can do to reduce the risk
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball-and-socket joint of the hip doesn't develop properly. Instead of fitting snugly, the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) don't align correctly, causing the joint to grind and deteriorate over time. This leads to pain, inflammation, and eventually arthritis.
It's primarily a hereditary condition, meaning dogs inherit the genetic predisposition from their parents. But genetics alone don't determine outcome. Environmental factors like rapid growth, excessive weight, over-exercise in puppies, and diet also influence whether a genetically predisposed dog develops clinical symptoms.
| Factor | How It Contributes |
|---|---|
| Genetics (hereditary) | The primary cause. Dogs with affected parents are significantly more likely to develop it. |
| Rapid growth rate | Growing too fast (especially in large breeds) puts stress on developing joints. |
| Obesity | Extra weight increases joint stress and accelerates deterioration. |
| Over-exercise as a puppy | High-impact activity before joints are fully developed can worsen the condition. |
| Nutrition | Improper calcium and calorie intake during growth phases affects joint development. |
Dog Breeds Most at Risk
Hip dysplasia primarily affects medium to large breed dogs. In Malaysia, several popular breeds are known to have higher incidence rates:
| Breed | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | High | One of the most popular breeds in Malaysia and one of the most affected |
| German Shepherd | High | Prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia |
| Labrador Retriever | High | Common in Malaysia; also prone to obesity which worsens hip issues |
| Rottweiler | High | Heavy build increases joint stress |
| Siberian Husky | Moderate | Popular in Malaysia despite the climate; moderate hip dysplasia risk |
| Poodle (Standard) | Moderate | Standard size has higher risk than miniature/toy |
| Bulldog (English/French) | High | Body structure predisposes them to multiple joint issues |
Small breeds and mixed breeds can also develop hip dysplasia, but it's less common. If you're getting a puppy from a breeder, ask about the parents' hip scores. Responsible breeders will have had their breeding dogs screened.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
Symptoms can appear as early as 4-6 months in puppies or develop gradually in adult dogs. The signs often get worse over time as the joint deteriorates.
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Early signs | Reluctance to climb stairs, slow to get up from lying position, less interest in play, stiffness after rest |
| Moderate | Bunny-hopping gait (both hind legs moving together), difficulty jumping into cars, swaying walk, audible clicking from hip joint |
| Advanced | Visible lameness, muscle wasting in hind legs, significant pain when moving, inability to exercise, aggression when hips are touched |
If your dog shows any of these signs, see a vet for assessment. Early intervention can slow progression and significantly improve quality of life.
Diagnosis
A vet will typically diagnose hip dysplasia through a combination of physical examination and x-rays (radiographs).
| Diagnostic Method | What It Shows | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Physical examination | Range of motion, pain response, joint laxity | RM50-100 (consultation) |
| X-ray (hip radiograph) | Joint congruency, signs of arthritis, severity grading | RM150-400 |
| Sedation (for x-ray positioning) | Required for proper positioning to get accurate hip x-rays | RM100-250 |
| Blood work | General health assessment, pre-surgical screening | RM150-350 |
Costs are estimates based on typical Malaysian private vet clinic pricing. Actual costs vary by clinic and location.
Treatment Options and Costs
Treatment depends on the severity, your dog's age, and the level of pain. Options range from conservative management to major surgery.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
| Treatment | Purpose | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) | Reduce pain and inflammation | RM100-300/month (ongoing) |
| Pain management | Control chronic pain for comfort | RM50-200/month |
| Weight management programme | Reduce joint stress by maintaining ideal weight | RM100-200 (vet consultation + diet plan) |
| Physiotherapy / hydrotherapy | Strengthen muscles around the joint | RM100-300/session |
Conservative treatment is usually the first approach, especially for mild cases or older dogs where surgery carries higher risk. It manages symptoms rather than fixing the underlying problem.
Surgical Treatment
| Surgery | What It Does | Best For | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) | Removes the femoral head to eliminate bone-on-bone grinding | Smaller dogs or cases where joint replacement isn't feasible | RM3,000-6,000 per hip |
| Total Hip Replacement (THR) | Replaces the entire hip joint with an artificial one | Large breed dogs with severe dysplasia | RM8,000-15,000+ per hip |
| Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) | Realigns the hip socket for better coverage | Young dogs (under 10 months) caught early | RM5,000-10,000 per hip |
Surgical costs are estimates and vary significantly by clinic, surgeon, and whether both hips need treatment. These figures include anaesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care but may not include pre-surgical diagnostics or extended rehabilitation.
The financial impact can be significant. A dog needing FHO surgery on both hips could easily face a total bill of RM8,000-12,000 including diagnostics, surgery, medication, and follow-up. Total hip replacement is even more expensive.
How Oyen's Hereditary Conditions Coverage Works
Hip dysplasia is one of 6 specific hereditary conditions that Oyen covers under certain conditions. This is important to understand because hereditary conditions are generally excluded from most pet insurance policies.
| Covered Hereditary Condition |
|---|
| 1. Hip and elbow dysplasia |
| 2. Luxating patella |
| 3. Glaucoma |
| 4. Cherry eye |
| 5. Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) |
| 6. Conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision |
Eligibility Requirements
For these 6 hereditary conditions to be covered, all of the following must be met:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pet enrolled before age 6 | Your pet must have been enrolled in Oyen's plan before turning 6 years old |
| Policy active for 12+ months | There is a 12-month waiting period before hereditary condition claims become eligible |
| Condition is not pre-existing | The condition must not have been diagnosed or shown symptoms before the policy started |
For full details on hereditary conditions coverage, see Oyen's hereditary conditions page.
Important: Hereditary conditions not listed above are not covered. Other congenital conditions also remain excluded. This is standard practice across the pet insurance industry. If you're unsure whether a specific condition qualifies, contact the Oyen team via WhatsApp for guidance before making assumptions about coverage.
What Hip Dysplasia Treatment Is Covered
If your dog meets the eligibility requirements above, here's what hip dysplasia treatment looks like from a coverage perspective:
| Treatment Item | Generally Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation and diagnosis | Yes | Subject to claims review |
| X-rays and imaging | Yes | Diagnostic tests are eligible |
| Prescribed medication (NSAIDs, pain relief) | Yes | Must be named on the itemised bill |
| FHO surgery | Yes | Subject to claims review and annual limit |
| Joint supplements (glucosamine, etc.) | No | Supplements are excluded |
| Prescription diet | No | Pet food is excluded |
| Prosthetics/implants (hip replacement implant) | No | Aids, implants, and prosthetics are excluded |
All coverage is subject to claims team review. No claim outcome can be confirmed before formal submission and assessment. Annual coverage limits apply.
Prevention and Management
| Strategy | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a responsible breeder | Before getting a puppy | Ask for hip score certificates from both parents. Avoid breeders who can't provide health screening records. |
| Control growth rate | Puppy stage | Feed a large-breed puppy formula. Don't overfeed; slow, steady growth is better than rapid growth. |
| Appropriate exercise | Puppy to adult | Avoid high-impact exercise in puppies (no jumping, no long runs). Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise. |
| Maintain healthy weight | Lifelong | One of the single most effective things you can do. Even genetically predisposed dogs show fewer symptoms at ideal weight. |
| Regular vet screening | From 6 months for at-risk breeds | Early detection allows early intervention, which slows progression significantly. |
| Provide joint-friendly surfaces | At home | Non-slip mats on tile/marble floors, ramps instead of stairs where possible, orthopaedic dog bed. |
FAQ
At what age does hip dysplasia appear in dogs?
Signs can appear as early as 4-6 months in some puppies, but many dogs don't show obvious symptoms until 1-2 years or even later. Some dogs develop arthritis-related symptoms in middle age. Large breed puppies should be screened early, especially if the breed is known to be at risk.
How much does hip dysplasia surgery cost in Malaysia?
FHO (femoral head ostectomy) typically costs RM3,000-6,000 per hip at private clinics. Total hip replacement can cost RM8,000-15,000+ per hip. These are estimates; actual costs depend on the clinic, surgeon, and complexity of your dog's case.
Is hip dysplasia covered by pet insurance?
At Oyen, hip dysplasia is one of 6 specific hereditary conditions that can be covered. Your dog must have been enrolled before age 6, the policy must have been active for at least 12 months, and the condition must not be pre-existing. For full eligibility details, see Oyen's hereditary conditions coverage.
Can hip dysplasia be cured?
Hip dysplasia itself can't be reversed, but it can be managed effectively. Conservative treatment (medication, weight control, exercise modification) helps many dogs live comfortably. Surgery (FHO or total hip replacement) can resolve pain more definitively in severe cases. Early detection and proper management make a significant difference.
Does my dog need surgery for hip dysplasia?
Not always. Many dogs with mild to moderate hip dysplasia are managed well with conservative treatment: weight management, appropriate exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, and environmental modifications. Surgery is typically recommended when conservative measures aren't controlling the pain adequately or the dog's quality of life is significantly affected.
Can mixed breed dogs get hip dysplasia?
Yes. While purebreds (especially large breeds) are more commonly affected, mixed breed dogs can also develop hip dysplasia, particularly if they have large-breed heritage. The advantage of mixed breeds is generally greater genetic diversity, which can reduce the risk compared to purebred dogs with limited gene pools.
Should I get insurance before my dog shows symptoms?
Yes. If your dog develops hip dysplasia symptoms before you have insurance, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and won't be covered. The best time to insure your dog is when they're young and healthy. For hereditary conditions coverage, the policy also needs to be active for 12 months before claims are eligible.
What other hereditary conditions does Oyen cover?
In addition to hip and elbow dysplasia, Oyen covers luxating patella, glaucoma, cherry eye, IVDD (intervertebral disk disease), and conditions requiring femoral head and neck excision. The same eligibility requirements apply: enrolled before age 6, 12-month policy duration, not pre-existing. Other hereditary conditions not listed are not covered.
Protecting Your Pet Starts Here
Hip dysplasia treatment can cost thousands of ringgit, and the costs are often ongoing. Getting your dog insured while they're young means you're covered if hip dysplasia develops later. With Oyen's hereditary conditions coverage, 6 specific conditions including hip dysplasia are covered after a 12-month policy period for dogs enrolled before age 6.
Oyen covers cats and dogs at any licensed vet clinic in Malaysia, with coverage up to RM10,000/year.
Check your pet's eligibility now - it takes less than 2 minutes.
