At Middle Brighton Vet, we’re proud to offer Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - a preventative surgical procedure designed to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in young, growing dogs.
When performed at the right stage of development, JPS can significantly improve hip stability and long-term mobility, helping active puppies grow into strong, pain-free adults.
What is JPS?
JPS is a minimally invasive early-age procedure that modifies how the hip joints develop. By gently altering the growth of the pelvis, it allows the hip sockets to form a deeper, more stable fit around the ball of the joint - reducing the risk of future arthritis and discomfort.
It’s performed before the puppy’s growth plates close, usually between 12–20 weeks of age, making early screening essential.
Why choose JPS at Middle Brighton Vet
| Benefit | What it means for your puppy (and you) |
|---|---|
| Expert orthopaedic knowledge | Our experienced surgical team and visiting specialists provide early-stage orthopaedic screening and precision JPS procedures. |
| Early detection = lifelong benefit | The earlier hip instability is identified, the better the long-term results for mobility and comfort. |
| On-site imaging & diagnostics | We use digital X-rays and, where appropriate, sedation-assisted hip assessments to evaluate candidacy accurately. |
| Gentle anaesthesia & fast recovery | The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and supported by modern pain management for a smooth recovery. |
| Preventive orthopaedic focus | JPS reduces the chance of future arthritis, lameness, and the need for major hip surgery later in life (like total hip replacement). |
When is JPS recommended?
Recommendations for JPS are based on hip x-rays. We perform Pennhip x-rays, which score your puppies hips for laxity in the joint. The more laxity, the more at risk they are of hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian may recommend JPS to help improve this and reduce the likelihood of developing complications associated with hip dysplasia in the future.
The JPS procedure
1. Assessment & imaging - hip laxity is measured via physical exam and confirmed on X-ray.
2. Pre-surgery planning - if JPS is indicated, the procedure is scheduled under general anaesthetic.
3. Surgery - controlled heat is applied to a small section of the pubic growth plate to slow its development, allowing other pelvic areas to grow normally and rotate the sockets over the femoral heads.
4. Recovery – short period of rest with return to normal function
Expected outcomes
When performed early, JPS has an excellent success rate in improving long-term hip stability and reducing the risk of degenerative joint disease.
If diagnosis occurs after growth plates close, other surgical options may be discussed instead.
FAQ
What age is best for JPS?
The optimal age range is between 16-18 weeks of age. After this point, the pelvic growth plates close and the surgery becomes ineffective.
How do I know if my puppy needs it?
All large breed dogs are encouraged to have Pennhip x-rays performed, which will tell us how susceptible your puppy is to hip dysplasia. Recommendations will be based on these x-rays. Please have a chat with one our veterinarians to discuss it further.
Is JPS painful or risky?
It’s a relatively minor, low-risk procedure. Pain relief is provided before and after surgery.
Will my puppy need crate rest?
As with any surgery, rest is recommended for a few days afterwards, but they usually have a fast recovery.
Does it prevent hip dysplasia completely?
It reduces the risk but doesn’t guarantee prevention. Genetics, weight, exercise, and nutrition all still play key roles and we can discuss how else to keep your puppies joints healthy.
What happens if we miss the timing window?
If your puppy is older than ~20 weeks, our team can discuss alternative orthopaedic procedures that support hip stability in later growth stages.
JPS Surgery
Our team of professionals are here to help make pet care easy. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you would like to make an appointment you can book online or give us a call to arrange a suitable time.
