Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most expensive veterinary procedures available, but it can transform the quality of life for dogs with severe hip dysplasia or hip joint damage. Here is a full breakdown of costs in the UK.

Average Costs

  • Total hip replacement (one hip): £4,000 to £7,000
  • Bilateral hip replacement (both hips, staged): £7,000 to £12,000
  • Femoral head and neck excision (FHO) — the cheaper alternative: £1,500 to £3,000
  • Pre-operative CT scan and assessment: £500 to £1,500

THR is only performed at specialist orthopaedic referral centres. The total cost includes the specialist consultation, pre-operative imaging, the implant itself, surgery, hospitalisation, and follow-up appointments.

What Affects the Price

Implant Type

There are two main THR systems used in veterinary medicine in the UK: cemented and cementless (press-fit). Cementless implants are newer and generally more expensive, but offer advantages in younger, active dogs. The implant hardware alone costs £1,000–£2,000.

Dog Size

Larger dogs require larger implants and longer surgery times. Giant breed hip replacements are at the top end of the price range. Very small dogs (under 10kg) may require micro or nano implants, which are also more expensive due to specialised tooling.

Referral Centre

Prices vary significantly between referral centres. London-based specialists can charge £1,000–£2,000 more than centres in the North of England or Scotland for the same procedure.

Complications

The complication rate for THR is around 5–10%. Complications such as implant loosening, dislocation, or infection can require revision surgery, significantly increasing the total cost. Discuss complication rates and policies with your surgeon.

Cheaper Alternatives

Total hip replacement is not the only option:

  • Femoral head and neck excision (FHO): £1,500–£3,000. Removes the ball of the hip joint, allowing a false joint to form. Less predictable outcomes in larger dogs but effective in smaller dogs and cats.
  • Conservative management: Weight management, controlled exercise, physiotherapy, and pain medication can manage mild to moderate hip dysplasia without surgery. Ongoing costs of £50–£150 per month for medication and supplements.
  • Joint supplements and hydrotherapy: Can delay the need for surgery and improve quality of life. Hydrotherapy costs £30–£60 per session.

How to Save

  • Pet insurance: THR is one of the procedures where comprehensive insurance pays for itself many times over. Ensure your policy has a sufficiently high per-condition limit (at least £8,000–£10,000).
  • Compare referral centres: Get quotes from multiple orthopaedic surgeons. Prices vary by £1,000+ for the same procedure.
  • Consider FHO: For dogs under 20kg, FHO can produce good outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
  • Payment plans: Most referral centres offer interest-free credit over 6–12 months for high-cost procedures.
  • Charity assistance: The RSPCA and PDSA may help with costs for eligible owners.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: RCVS referral centre data, VetCost practice data.