CONDITION
Coxofemoral Subluxation
Coxofemoral subluxation describes a partial displacement of the hip joint, where the head of the femur (thighbone) shifts out of its normal position within the acetabulum (hip socket) but remains in some contact with it. This can happen suddenly after trauma, or develop gradually in dogs or cats with underlying hip joint problems. The hip may slip in and out of place, or sit in a persistently abnormal position. Owners often notice a sudden onset of limping or difficulty bearing weight on one hind leg, particularly after a fall, collision, or awkward movement. In some cases, the leg may appear shorter or held at an unusual angle, and the animal may be reluctant to move or show discomfort when the hip is handled. Where the subluxation develops more slowly, signs may be subtler—intermittent lameness, stiffness after rest, or a change in gait that comes and goes. This page explores the signs that can accompany hip subluxation, what may be happening within and around the joint, how the condition is investigated through examination and imaging, and the range of approaches—from rest and physiotherapy to surgical stabilisation—that may be considered depending on the individual case.
Why this matters now
Coxofemoral subluxation can occur at any age, though the underlying causes often differ between life stages. In young animals, the condition may arise from congenital hip laxity or developmental problems such as hip dysplasia, where the joint has never formed a stable relationship. In adults and older animals, trauma—a fall, road traffic accident, or collision during play—is a more common trigger, particularly in cats. Certain breeds with a predisposition to hip dysplasia, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, may be at higher risk of subluxation developing on top of pre-existing joint instability.
The course of subluxation varies considerably depending on the initial cause and the degree of displacement. In some cases, particularly following acute trauma, the hip may remain in a persistently abnormal position, leading to ongoing lameness and discomfort that does not resolve with rest alone. In others, especially where underlying laxity is present, the joint may shift in and out of position intermittently, creating episodes of lameness that appear to improve and then return. Over weeks to months, chronic instability can lead to secondary changes within the joint, including cartilage wear, inflammation, and remodelling of the bone surfaces.
Signals & patterns
Early signals
Sudden hind limb lameness
An owner may notice their dog or cat begin limping on one back leg, often after a known incident such as a jump, fall, or rough play. The limb may be carried or only lightly touched to the ground, and the onset tends to be abrupt rather than gradual.
Leg held at an unusual angle
The affected limb may appear rotated outward or held in a position that looks different from the other side. This can be subtle or quite obvious, and may be accompanied by the appearance of one leg being shorter than the other when the animal is standing.
Reluctance to bear weight
The animal may shift weight away from the affected side, stand on three legs, or refuse to put the foot down fully. This reluctance is often most noticeable when rising from rest or when moving slowly.
Discomfort when hip is touched
Gentle handling or manipulation of the hip area may cause the animal to flinch, pull away, or vocalise. This sensitivity can be present even when the animal is resting quietly and not attempting to move.
Later signals
Intermittent or persistent lameness
Over time, lameness may become a recurring pattern, with the animal appearing better on some days and worse on others. In cases where the hip remains unstable, the lameness may settle into a consistent limp that does not fully resolve.
Muscle loss along the thigh
The muscles of the affected hind leg, particularly over the thigh and hip, may become visibly thinner compared to the opposite side. This atrophy develops as the animal uses the limb less and weight-bearing decreases over weeks to months.
Stiffness after rest
Animals with chronic hip instability may have difficulty rising after lying down, or walk stiffly for the first few steps before appearing to warm out of it. This pattern often worsens in cold or damp weather.
Click to read about the biological mechanisms
How this is usually investigated
Options & trade-offs
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