The Cost of Hip Dysplasia Surgery for Dogs

The cost of hip dysplasia in dogs could be up to $14,500 depending on factors like surgery, anesthesia, medications, and physical therapy.¹ Hip dysplasia is a common developmental issue in dogs where the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t grow at the same rate — creating a loose and unstable joint that can cause arthritis, pain, and limb dysfunction.²

After diagnosing the condition, vets may recommend medical management or surgery.² Let’s discuss the cost factors of different types of surgeries, alternative treatment options, and how a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet could help you manage the cost of vet care.

Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery Costs

Three kinds of surgeries may be offered to your dog if their hip dysplasia is too severe for medical management. The average costs per hip and potential recovery timelines are as follows.¹

These surgery estimates don’t include additional costs like diagnostics, prescription medications, follow-up visits or rehabilitation. A vet may charge for:¹

• An initial consultation fee — roughly $50 – $80 — to diagnose the issue and see whether your dog would be a good fit for hip dysplasia surgery.
• Diagnostic imaging ranging from less expensive X-rays, starting at $150, to costly MRI scans, starting at $2,500.
• Pre-surgical blood work, which might cost up to $200, to help ensure the safety of the surgery.
• Necessary post-operative care, ranging from $400 to $1,000 or more.

Puppy hip dysplasia surgery cost

If a puppy has a high likelihood of developing hip dysplasia, vets can perform a juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) surgery to help reduce the potential for severe hip dysplasia. The cost of a JPS procedure can range from $800 to $1,000.¹

Does pet insurance cover dog hip dysplasia surgery costs?

In many cases, pet insurance may be able to help you cover hip dysplasia expenses, like those associated with your dog’s surgery. MetLife Pet’s accident and illness plan provides coverage for hip dysplasia that’s not pre-existing. We also have no breed or age restrictions to enroll — dogs can remain covered for hip dysplasia as they age.³ A procedure such as JPS, however, isn’t typically covered because it’s considered a preventive measure.

Factors That Affect Hip Dysplasia Surgery Costs in Dogs

Several factors can affect the cost of hip dysplasia surgery for dogs, including:¹

• Type of surgery: Costs vary depending on whether the procedure is DPO/TPO, FHO, or THR.
• Severity of hip dysplasia: More severe cases in dogs may require more complex and costly surgical interventions.
• Dog’s age, size, and overall health: Older dogs, large breed dogs, and dogs with additional health issues may incur higher costs because of the increased surgical and anesthetic needs.
• Number of affected hips: Treating both hips usually costs more than a single hip.
• Location and type of vet office: Costs can vary based on geographic location and the local cost of living. Emergency animal hospitals may charge more for surgeries than your regular vet’s office.
• Hospitalization: Expenses for the length of the hospital stay and any additional in-house care needed contribute to overall costs.
• Diagnostic testing: Costs for pre-surgical diagnostics — like X-rays, blood tests, and other necessary tests — can add up.
• Follow-up care and rehabilitation: Post-surgery follow-up appointments, imaging, and physical therapy or rehabilitation services may also be needed.

Types of Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgeries

If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, your vet may recommend one of three surgeries, each varying in cost, complexity, and recovery time. Let’s take a look at each surgery type.

Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy

DPO/TPO surgery can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per hip and is often recommended for dogs younger than 8 – 10 months old. This procedure involves cutting and rotating parts of the ball-and-socket joint to improve hip function.^1,2

After DPO/TPO surgery, your dog may need up to 6 weeks of rest. Follow-up exams and X-rays during this time are often required so the vet can monitor the healing process.²

Femoral Head Osteotomy

FHO surgery involves removing the head of the femur (the ball of the hip joint) and allowing scar tissue to form a “false joint.” The cost of this procedure ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per hip. Vets encourage exercising the dog’s leg around 2 weeks after surgery to help with recovery. This will likely require physical therapy, which you might have to pay additional costs for.^1,2

FHO surgery is generally recommended for smaller dogs under 70 pounds. The goal is to reduce pain, not restore normal hip mobility — dogs need to remain at a healthy weight for the rest of their lives and not perform athletic activities.²

Total Hip Replacement

THR surgery is often the most expensive option, costing $3,500 – $7,000 or more per hip for the procedure itself.¹ This surgery replaces the entire ball-and-socket joint with prosthetic implants and is reserved for dogs at least one year old.²

After THR surgery, your dog may need about 2 months of restricted exercise and physical therapy. Although THR surgery is costly, it generally provides long-term relief over the dog’s lifetime.²

Alternatives to Canine Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Surgery isn’t always necessary for managing hip dysplasia. Many dogs benefit from non-surgical treatments that can help ease their symptoms and improve overall mobility. Consider these medical management alternatives to surgery:²

• Physical and alternative therapies: Specific exercises and therapies, like hydrotherapy, can help strengthen muscles around the hip joint, which can reduce pain and improve your dog’s mobility.
• Dietary changes: Adjusting your dog’s diet can help manage weight and reduce stress on their hips.
• Exercise regimens: Low-impact physical activities, like short, leashed walks, can maintain your dog’s joint health and mobility.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These medications can help manage pain and inflammation caused by hip dysplasia.
• Supplements: Joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may support your dog’s joint health.

Medical management of canine hip dysplasia depends on many factors. Vets may recommend this route over surgery if the dog is middle-aged or older; isn’t athletic, overweight, or living an active lifestyle; or has a less severe degree of hip laxity (looseness).²

Worried About the Cost? Dog Insurance Can Help

Hip dysplasia surgery for dogs can be costly, often reaching thousands of dollars. Each surgical option involves time and commitment to ensure your dog recovers fully and enjoys an active life.

Before moving forward with surgery, talk to your vet about alternative therapies that might help treat your dog’s hip dysplasia.

A MetLife Pet Insurance policy can help you cover alternative treatments, like acupuncture, as well as surgical procedures, diagnostics, and physical therapy. Get a quote today to find out how we can help you manage vet bills, with customizable plan and reimbursement options up to 90%.³