Total hip replacement (THR) in dogs costs $5,000-$7,000 per hip. This is the gold-standard surgical treatment for severe hip dysplasia, replacing the damaged ball and socket with metal and plastic implants. Most dogs return to full, pain-free activity. When both hips need replacement, total costs can reach $10,000-$14,000.
Total hip replacement removes the damaged femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) and replaces them with prosthetic components — typically a cobalt-chrome ball and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene socket. This eliminates bone-on-bone grinding and restores pain-free movement. It's reserved for severe cases where conservative management has failed. The gold-standard for severe hip dysplasia
Performed by board-certified veterinary surgeons only. Pre-operative CT scan or X-rays plan the implant sizing. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with precision-fitted implants. Surgery takes 2-3 hours per hip. Dogs are hospitalized for 1-3 days. Only one hip is done at a time — the second hip (if needed) is done 3-6 months later. Must be done by a board-certified surgeon
Per hip: $5,000-$7,000. Includes pre-operative imaging (CT/X-rays: $500-$1,000), surgery, implants, anesthesia, hospitalization (1-3 days), pain medication, and follow-up visits. Both hips: $10,000-$14,000 total. Physical therapy sessions add $50-$100 each. Board-certified surgeon fees are the largest component.
Recovery takes 3-6 months. Strict crate rest for the first 6-8 weeks — leash walks only. Gradual increase in activity from weeks 8-16. Physical therapy and underwater treadmill accelerate recovery. Follow-up X-rays at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Most dogs return to full activity by 4-6 months. Full recovery in 3-6 months
Per hip. Both hips: $10,000-$14,000. Physical therapy adds $500-$1,500 over the recovery period.
Over 90% of dogs return to normal or near-normal activity. Implant lifespan typically exceeds the dog's lifetime.
Surgery takes 2-3 hours per hip. Hospitalization for 1-3 days post-surgery.
Severe hip dysplasia with arthritis, chronic pain not managed by medication, or significant loss of mobility.
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Per hip.
Most comprehensive policies cover total hip replacement if enrolled before any signs of hip problems. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition — ensure your policy covers hereditary/congenital conditions. Coverage includes diagnostics, surgery, implants, hospitalization, and often physical therapy.
Many insurers impose a 6-12 month orthopedic waiting period — much longer than the standard 14-day illness wait. If your dog shows any lameness or hip issues during this period, hip conditions become pre-existing. Enroll your puppy as early as possible to start the clock.
At $5,000-$7,000 per hip, this is where insurance provides massive savings. With a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement, you save $3,600-$5,200 per hip. Bilateral hip replacement savings can reach $8,000-$10,000+. A single hip replacement can pay for a decade of premiums.
Some insurers treat bilateral hip dysplasia as a single condition — one deductible for both hips. Others treat each hip separately. If one hip was treated before enrollment, the second may be excluded. Annual limits may cap the total payout, affecting bilateral surgery. Read the fine print carefully.
🇺🇸 US Pet Insurance Guide
Our guide shows exactly what to check in the fine print — before your first claim gets denied.
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My mother-in-law took her German boxer to the veterinary emergency room — $1,200 in tests, no answers. A different vet solved it in minutes with $8 pills.
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