Hip Displacement in Dogs: What It Is and How To Help Your Pup

A dog getting hit by a car is incredibly scary—and the last thing a pet parent wants to think about. 

However, these accidents are a leading cause of hip displacement (dislocation) in dogs, a condition that can lead to significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life.  

Read on to learn more about hip displacement in dogs: how it occurs, how veterinarians treat it, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it or to help your pup heal comfortably.  

What Is Hip Displacement in Dogs?

Also known as coxofemoral luxation, hip displacement in dogs occurs when the head of the femur (thigh bone) slips out of the hip socket (acetabulum).  

Although both hips can be affected, it’s more common for only one to become displaced.  

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint stabilized by the round ligament, fibrous joint capsule, and dorsal acetabular rim, with surrounding muscles and ligaments providing additional support.  

When any of these structures are torn, ruptured, or fractured—often due to trauma, like an accident—instability results and the femoral head can become dislocated.  

There are three main types of hip displacement:  

1. Craniodorsal luxation: The thigh bone moves forward and upward relative to the joint. This is the most common type of hip displacement in dogs. 

2. Caudodorsal luxation: The thigh bone moves backward and upward relative to the joint. 

3. Ventral luxation: The thigh bone moves downward relative to joint. This type of hip displacement in dogs is extremely rare.  

The hip joint is the most commonly luxated joint in dogs and is considered a surgical emergency.  

Symptoms of Hip Displacement in Dogs

Common signs of hip displacement in dogs include:  

• Limping 

• Shortened appearance of the limb 

• Pain 

• Swelling 

• A crunching or grinding sensation around the joint 

Causes of Hip Displacement in Dogs

Hip displacement in dogs is most often caused by trauma, such as being hit by a car, falling from a height, or fighting with another dog.  

While rare in young and immature dogs, those with hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis are at increased risk.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Hip Displacement in Dogs

A physical exam often reveals an abnormal positioning of the hip and thigh bones.  

Normally, the bony parts of the pelvis and hip form a triangle. When the hip is displaced, that triangle disappears, and these bony parts form into a straight line.  

X-rays are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of damage or concurrent injuries, such as pelvis or limb fractures. X-rays also help evaluate the hip’s underlying anatomy, which is needed to guide treatment recommendations, since dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia often require different surgeries.  

Blood work will be needed to assess organ function and overall health before anesthesia and surgery. Because hip displacement is usually trauma-related, an affected dog should be thoroughly evaluated for any other injuries.  

Chest and abdominal X-rays and an ultrasound may be needed to determine the extent of a pet’s injuries.  

Treatment of Hip Displacement in Dogs

The goal of treatment for hip displacement in dogs is to restore normal hip function. 

Most displacements, especially craniodorsal ones, can be treated with closed reduction—manually putting the femoral head into the socket without surgery. This requires general anesthesia and sometimes an epidural for pain management. The prognosis is better when performed within the first several days following injury.  

Closed reduction has the best prognosis when there are no fractures to the joint, no underlying hip dysplasia or arthritis, and normal neurologic (nerve) function. After reduction, the limb is placed in a bandage, called an Ehmer sling, and X-rays are taken to confirm alignment. 

Surgery is necessary if: 

• Closed reduction is not possible 

• The hip easily luxates during the procedure 

• The hip luxates during the healing period   

In these cases, there are multiple surgical options. 

The prognosis for limb use and return to function is generally good but depends on the severity of injury and any underlying disease.  

Dogs with hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, neurologic impairment, or fractures involving the joint often have poorer outcomes. In these cases, a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR) is often recommended.  

Recovery and Management of Hip Displacement in Dogs

Your pup will likely need to remain in a sling and bandage for about four weeks after surgery, so proper bandage care is essential.  

Make sure it remains on, stays clean and dry, doesn’t slip or become too tight, and doesn’t cause swelling of the lower extremities or skin sores.  

Your dog will also need to wear a recovery cone at all times to prevent licking or chewing at the bandage.  

Because your dog will be walking on three limbs for a while, toe-grips, carpets, and runners can help provide greater traction.  

After surgery, expect strict crate-rest and short leash walks for bathroom breaks for six to eight weeks (or longer, depending on your vet’s guidance).  

After this period, a slow reintroduction to exercise—often involving some form of physical therapy—will be required.  

To help manage inflammation, prevent infection, and assist with recovery, your vet may also prescribe:  

• Pain medications 

• NSAIDs 

• Sedatives 

• Anti-anxiety medications 

• Antibiotics  

If your dog shows any signs of increased pain or discomfort during recovery, these could indicate complications, such as reluxation of the hip, implants or bandage issues, or infection.  

Have your pup examined immediately. 

Prevention of Hip Displacement in Dogs

Because trauma is the primary cause of hip displacement in dogs, prevention of hip displacement in dogs centers on safety. This includes: 

• Keeping your dog on a leash when outdoors  

• Preventing access to roads or heights  

• Supervising play with others (especially with larger or more energetic dogs)  

Dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis are at an increased risk of hip displacement, so take extra precautions and discuss preventive care with your veterinarian.