The Cost of Canine Hip Dysplasia Surgery

For dogs with hip dysplasia, abnormal development or growth of the hip joint causes the ball and socket to rub together rather than fit smoothly, causing pain. When left untreated, hip dysplasia can negatively impact your pet’s quality of life (Kearley). Fortunately, there are multiple surgical interventions available that can help treat hip dysplasia in dogs. 

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that causes the ball and socket joint of the hip to rub together painfully, leading to a loss of function. This condition is especially common in larger breeds. Examples include (“Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery”):

When left untreated, hip dysplasia will worsen with age and can often become bilateral, affecting both of a dog’s hip joints (“Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery”):

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Dogs with hip dysplasia may display symptoms such as (“Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery”):

How Much Does Hip Dysplasia Surgery for Dogs Cost?

Mild cases of hip dysplasia can sometimes be addressed with a few changes in the lifestyle or diet or the pet. For more severe cases of hip dysplasia in dogs, there are multiple surgical interventions available. Once a diagnosis has been made, a vet will generally suggest one of the following treatment methods (“Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery”): 

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): During a FHO surgery, the vet will remove the “ball” or femoral head of the hip joint, creating a “false” joint. This procedure can help alleviate the discomfort caused by the grinding of the femoral head against the socket, but the pet will not regain full function in the joint. Average costs for this procedure range between $1200 and $2500. 

Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO): During this procedure a vet will cut the pelvic bone in certain places and rotate segments, improving the ball and socket joint. This procedure is generally only done of pets under 10 months old. Bilateral DPO/TPO has an average cost of $3000. 

Total Hip Replacement (THR): THR is a common treatment aimed at restoring full mobility in the hip joint(s). The vet will replace the entire hip joint with metal and plastic implants, restoring normal function and putting an end to any discomfort caused by the hip dysplasia. This procedure is typically the most expensive, but is generally suggested if the pet is in large amounts of pain and is nearing immobility. The cost of hip replacement surgery can range from $3500 - $7000 per hip, largely because the artificial joint has to be custom made for the pet. 

Read more: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Does Pet Insurance Cover Hip Dysplasia? 

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatments for hip dysplasia, given that the condition is not a pre-existing condition and did not occur during the policy waiting period. Pet parents with pet insurance can get up to 90% cash back on the cost of covered vet bills for the treatment of hip dysplasia. Learn more about what pet insurance can cover or get a free quote today. 

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is especially common in large breeds (“Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery”). While the condition can be quite painful, there are multiple treatment options available to help alleviate a pet’s discomfort and restore mobility in their hip joint. Treatments can be expensive, but pet parents with pet insurance can get cash back on covered vet bills, helping to alleviate some of their financial worries.