Oh Rebecca, I am sorry to hear about Sammy' situation. We are very familar with the bunny hop. Strider was diagnosed at 4 months with panosteoitis, and also mild-moderate hip dysplagia. The vets suggested Cosequin, but even over the internet it is very expensive in the doses they wanted him on. Stella found a substitute at Walgreens Drug stores, it is human grade medicine, and only $19.00 for 90 tablets.
Walgreen's Finest
Glucosemine 500mg
Chondroitin 400mg
MSM 166mg
The MSM is a naturally occuring analgesic that has been used for horses for 20 years in Europe, and is supposed to be fantastic.
Strider takes one twice a day, and we have noticed that he hasn't been hopping near as much, and he has only been on it about a week. It may be a cheaper long term alternative for Sammy.
Good luck.
Dale and Stella
Modified to add: Most importantly, since it is all naturally occuring suppliments, it will not hurt him if his hopping is merely a short term injury and not a true hip problem, and less hard on his system than Rimadyl for long term use.