Dog Hip Replacement
Cost UK
Total hip replacement for dogs costs £3,000 to £7,000 per hip in the UK in 2026. FHO surgery is a cheaper alternative at £1,500-£3,000. Both require specialist referral.
THR vs FHO
Surgery Costs
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs, particularly in larger breeds. When conservative management (pain relief, weight management, physiotherapy) is no longer effective, surgery becomes the recommended option. The two main surgical approaches are total hip replacement (THR) and femoral head ostectomy (FHO), each with very different costs and outcomes.
| Component | THR Cost | FHO Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation & imaging | £300 – £600 | £200 – £400 |
| CT scan (pre-surgical planning) | £500 – £1,000 | Not usually needed |
| Surgery & implant | £2,500 – £5,000 | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| Hospitalisation (1-3 days) | £200 – £500 | £100 – £300 |
| Post-op medication | £50 – £150 | £50 – £150 |
| Total per hip | £3,000 – £7,000 | £1,500 – £3,000 |
FHO on a small dog — the most affordable option
typical THR for a Labrador at a specialist centre
bilateral THR (both hips, staged surgeries)
What Affects
Hip Replacement Costs?
Implant type and size
Cemented implants are cheaper (£3,000-£5,000) while cementless (press-fit) implants cost more (£4,000-£7,000) but may last longer. Larger dogs need bigger implants, which cost more. Custom implants for unusual anatomy add further to costs.
Specialist centre location
THR is only performed at specialist referral centres. London and South East centres charge the most. Centres in the North of England and Scotland can be 20-30% cheaper for the same procedure and implant.
Dog size and breed
Giant breeds (Great Danes, St Bernards) require more anaesthesia, larger implants, and longer surgical times. Dogs over 40kg are at the top end of the price range. Breeds with very shallow hip sockets may need custom components.
Complications
Complications occur in approximately 5-10% of THR cases and can include dislocation, infection, or implant loosening. Revision surgery costs £3,000-£5,000 on top of the original procedure. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces complication risk.
How to Manage
Hip Replacement Costs
Insure your puppy early
If you have a breed prone to hip dysplasia (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers), take out lifetime insurance before any signs appear. Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions and hip dysplasia specifically if symptoms are noted before cover starts.
Consider FHO for smaller dogs
For dogs under 20kg, FHO can provide good outcomes at roughly half the price of THR. While the joint is not restored to full normal function, most small dogs adapt well and return to comfortable, active lives after recovery.
Compare specialist centres nationally
THR prices vary by 30-50% between specialist centres. Travelling to a centre outside London could save £1,000-£2,000. Ask for all-inclusive quotes that cover the surgery, hospitalisation, follow-ups, and any complications within the first 3 months.
Explore university veterinary hospitals
Veterinary teaching hospitals (such as the Royal Veterinary College, University of Glasgow, or University of Liverpool) often offer THR at reduced rates as part of training programmes. Surgery is performed by experienced surgeons with residents assisting.
Manage weight and exercise conservatively
Many dogs with mild to moderate hip dysplasia can be managed long-term with weight control, joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3), anti-inflammatory medication, and controlled exercise. This may delay or avoid the need for surgery altogether.
Would insurance have covered this?
On a typical lifetime policy an owner pays the excess (usually £60–£200) and, on some policies, 10–20% of the rest. Pre-existing conditions are never covered, so the time to compare is before something goes wrong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Total hip replacement costs £3,000-£7,000 per hip in 2026. FHO (femoral head ostectomy) costs £1,500-£3,000. Both hips cannot be done at the same time — bilateral replacement costs £6,000-£14,000 over two staged surgeries.
THR can be performed on dogs of any age, including seniors. The decision depends on overall health, severity of pain, and anaesthetic risk. Many 8-10 year old dogs have excellent outcomes. Your specialist will assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
THR replaces the joint with a prosthetic implant, restoring near-normal function. It is the gold standard for dogs over 20kg. FHO removes the femoral head entirely, relying on scar tissue to form a false joint. FHO is cheaper but best for smaller dogs.
Most lifetime policies cover hip replacement if the condition was not pre-existing. Check for breed-specific exclusions and hip dysplasia waiting periods. The average insured claim for THR is £4,000-£5,000.
Strict rest for 8-12 weeks, then gradual return to exercise over 3-6 months. Most dogs show dramatic improvement within 2-4 weeks. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy (£30-£60/session) are strongly recommended.
Compare orthopaedic vet prices near you
Find local vets and specialist centres offering hip replacement surgery. Compare prices before committing to treatment.