Florida Condition Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM • Last updated 2026-06-20
Dog Hip Dysplasia in Florida
Hip dysplasia is a malformed hip joint where the ball doesn't sit properly in the socket. It's largely genetic, common in large and giant breeds, and leads to progressive arthritis and mobility loss.
For Florida pet parents specifically: Florida's heat limits exercise options for large breeds with hip dysplasia, contributing to weight gain that worsens the condition. Pool swimming is a great Florida-specific exercise option for affected dogs. RexVet FL veterinarians manage long-term pain pharmacology and refer to surgical specialists when needed.
- Per visit
- $64.99 flat
- Family Plan
- $120 / year
- Rating
- 4.9★ · 8,313 families
- Structure
- 501(c)(3) non-profit
Licensed in Florida · Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM · Last updated 2026-06-22
Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs
- Bunny-hopping gait (using both hind legs together)
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Slow to rise after rest
- Wobbly or swaying back end
- Reduced range of motion in hind legs
- Muscle loss in the hindquarters
How hip dysplasia is diagnosed
Diagnosis requires radiographs — both standard ventro-dorsal hip view and the PennHIP or OFA distraction views are gold standard.
Standard treatment for hip dysplasia
- Weight management — single most important intervention
- NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, grapiprant) for pain
- Gabapentin for additional pain layer
- Joint supplements (Dasuquin, Adequan injections)
- Librela for chronic dogs
- Physical therapy and underwater treadmill
- Surgical options: FHO, THR (total hip replacement), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis
Daily home management
- 1 Strict weight control — 10% body fat reduction can transform mobility
- 2 Non-slip flooring throughout the home
- 3 Orthopedic bed with memory foam
- 4 Ramps for car/couch/bed
- 5 Daily controlled exercise — swimming is ideal
- 6 Avoid jumping and twisting movements
When telehealth works — and when it doesn't
NSAID and gabapentin refills, weight management coaching, mobility check-ins, supplement counseling, and senior care planning are top telehealth use cases.
Start a $64.99 video visit →In-person for initial radiographs, joint injections, surgical consult, and severe acute lameness. Ongoing pharmacology management is excellent for telehealth.
Manage hip dysplasia with a Florida-licensed vet
RexVet is licensed across all 67 Florida counties — $64.99 video visits 24/7.
$64.99 flat — no membership. Florida-licensed RexVet veterinarians are on call 24/7 including hurricane evacuation periods.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Hip Dysplasia in Florida dogs
Frequently asked questions
Can a RexVet online vet treat my Florida dog's hip dysplasia?
NSAID and gabapentin refills, weight management coaching, mobility check-ins, supplement counseling, and senior care planning are top telehealth use cases. A $64.99 video visit gets you a Florida-licensed vet who can prescribe medications via RexVetRx (same-day delivery in most major Florida ZIPs) or refer to in-person care when needed.
What are the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Common signs include: Bunny-hopping gait (using both hind legs together); Reluctance to climb stairs or jump; Slow to rise after rest; Wobbly or swaying back end; Reduced range of motion in hind legs. If you're seeing these, a Florida-licensed RexVet veterinarian can review by video and recommend next steps.
How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires radiographs — both standard ventro-dorsal hip view and the PennHIP or OFA distraction views are gold standard.
What's the standard treatment for dog hip dysplasia?
Standard treatment approach includes: Weight management — single most important intervention; NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam, grapiprant) for pain; Gabapentin for additional pain layer; Joint supplements (Dasuquin, Adequan injections). NSAID and gabapentin refills, weight management coaching, mobility check-ins, supplement counseling, and senior care planning are top telehealth use cases.
What can I do at home for my Florida dog's hip dysplasia?
Daily home care for hip dysplasia: Strict weight control — 10% body fat reduction can transform mobility; Non-slip flooring throughout the home; Orthopedic bed with memory foam; Ramps for car/couch/bed. Florida-specific: Florida's heat limits exercise options for large breeds with hip dysplasia, contributing to weight gain that worsens the condition.
When does my Florida dog need to be seen in person vs. online?
In-person for initial radiographs, joint injections, surgical consult, and severe acute lameness. Ongoing pharmacology management is excellent for telehealth.
Does Florida's environment affect hip dysplasia?
Florida's heat limits exercise options for large breeds with hip dysplasia, contributing to weight gain that worsens the condition. Pool swimming is a great Florida-specific exercise option for affected dogs. RexVet FL veterinarians manage long-term pain pharmacology and refer to surgical specialists when needed.
Can I refill my Florida dog's hip dysplasia prescriptions online?
Yes. RexVet veterinarians are licensed in Florida and prescribe and refill medications via $64.99 video visits. Prescriptions are filled through RexVet's in-house pharmacy (RexVetRx) with same-day delivery in most Florida ZIP codes, or transferred to any local pharmacy.
Hip Dysplasia in other states RexVet serves
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your individual pet.