Understanding your dog’s hip dysplasia surgery cost in Australia

Summary

Hip dysplasia and hip surgery

Hip surgery may be the treatment of choice for hip dysplasia in dogs, a common hereditary condition affecting many breeds, and particularly the larger breeds.

Hip dysplasia means that the hip joint has not developed properly, which over time can lead to impeded movement and significant pain. Thankfully, not all dogs with hip dysplasia will require hip surgery; several more conservative treatment options are also available.

The purpose of surgical intervention in hip dysplasia can be to alter the alignment of the hip joint, to replace it with a false socket, or to remove part of the bone to provide relief from ongoing arthritic pain. If surgical intervention is recommended, the most appropriate surgery is dependent on the age and size of your dog, as well as financial limitations.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Not all dogs with hip dysplasia will require surgery. Timepoints for surgical intervention are usually in early life such as young puppyhood or just prior to adulthood for the TPO. After this, decision-making around surgery will be dependent on hip radiographs as well as response to medical/conservative therapies. If pain cannot be managed with these modalities then surgery should be considered.

How much does dog hip dysplasia surgery cost in Australia?

The cost varies significantly depending on the type of surgery performed. The table below shows published pricing from named Australian veterinary providers.

^{Sources: Animal Surgery Centre (animalsurgerycentre.com.au/pricing-guide); Sandringham Vet Hospital (sandringhamvethospital.com.au); Brisbane Pet Surgery (brisbanepetsurgery.com.au/total-hip-replacement); Southpaws (southpaws.com.au/pricing-packages); PetSure (petsure.com.au/media-releases/pet-hip-replacement-cost). All sourced via BWM hip dysplasia insurance page.}

These costs are per hip. For bilateral cases, THR is typically staged several weeks apart. Published Australian pricing for JPS and TPO was not available at the time of writing; request a quote from your veterinary specialist for these procedures.

What factors affect the cost of hip dysplasia surgery?

• Procedure type. Total hip replacement is the most expensive due to complexity, specialised implants and duration.
• Dog size and weight. Implant costs for THR vary by size. Larger dogs require more anaesthetic, larger implants and longer surgical times.
• One hip versus both. Two procedures significantly increase the overall cost.
• Specialist referral. Hip dysplasia surgery is performed by veterinary orthopaedic specialists.
• Geographic location. Specialist veterinary services in metropolitan areas may carry higher fees.
• Pre-surgical diagnostics. Hip radiographs, blood tests and orthopaedic assessment are typically required.
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Post-operative rehabilitation is a significant component of recovery, particularly after THR and TPO.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Hip surgery varies in complexity and not all will be available at a general practice level, with access to a referral institution required for patients needing total hip replacement.

Does pet insurance help cover hip dysplasia surgery?

Under Bow Wow Meow’s Nose-to-Tail Cover, hip dysplasia surgery may be covered as an orthopaedic condition, subject to the following:

• Pre-existing condition exclusions apply.
• Standard orthopaedic waiting periods apply (typically longer than general illness).
• Annual benefit limits, excess and benefit percentage apply.

Bow Wow Meow’s Nose-to-Tail Cover has no sub-limits for hip surgery.

Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected does happen.

Get a quick quote

Understanding your dog’s hip anatomy and hip dysplasia

The hip is a ball and socket joint: the ball is at the top of the thigh bone (femur), and the socket (acetabulum) is in the pelvis. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the factors that create an ill-fitting, unstable hip are:

• A shallow hip socket (the acetabulum)
• An ill-fitting head of the femur
• Excessive looseness of the ligaments

The ball and socket rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly, resulting in early osteoarthritis.

Several factors lead to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs, starting with genetics. It is a hereditary condition that occurs in many dog breeds, but particularly in large or giant breed dogs, beginning in dogs as they grow.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

In large breed dogs the age of desexing should be considered as a factor that may contribute to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs already predisposed genetically by delaying closure of growth plates.

Factors such as excessive growth rate, certain types of exercise, rapid weight gain and improper nutrition also play a role in the development of hip dysplasia in dogs as they can increase the load on the hip joint and result in further deterioration, pain and disfunction.

However, hip dysplasia is not the only possible reason for dog hip replacements and other hip surgeries. Other possible causes of dog hip surgery include:

• Fractures of the hip, e.g. if the dog is hit by a car, a hard object, or falls from a height.
• Recurrent hip luxation (dislocation) and subluxation (partial dislocation).
• Severe degenerative joint disease or advanced osteoarthritis of the hip.
• Legg-Perthes disease (also known as avascular necrosis of the femoral head).

When is hip surgery needed?

A definitive diagnosis requires imaging, usually a radiograph (X-ray). If the condition is not severe, conservative management may be recommended. Surgical intervention is indicated where conservative treatment is not effective, athletic performance is desired, or in young animals where owners wish to slow degenerative joint disease.

The four surgical techniques of hip surgery

If hip surgery is the treatment of choice for your dog, there are four surgical techniques that are most commonly used.

Juvenile pelvic symphysiodesis is performed in puppies with evidence of hip laxity to reduce the amount of degenerative joint disease that will develop in the future. It is usually performed in puppies around 16 weeks, and involves causing early closure of one of the growth plates in the hip, helping to improve the alignment of the hip socket.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy entails cutting the pelvic bone in three places and rotating the segments of bone to create a more aligned hip socket. This type of surgery is usually performed on young dogs that do not yet show major signs of hip dysplasia. Although expensive and painful, TPO can successfully restore full function to the hip joint for the long-term.

Total Hip Replacement entails removing the entire hip joint and replacing it with an implant (a false hip constructed of plastic and/or metal). This type of surgery is usually performed on fully grown dogs with severe hip degeneration but in otherwise good health. While a costly and invasive procedure, it is highly successful in restoring a more normal hip motion and eliminating pain and discomfort.

Femoral Head Ostectomy is usually recommended when a total hip replacement is not financially possible, or in small to medium size dogs affected with hip dysplasia on one side only. It involves removing the top part of the femur (hip bone), leaving an empty socket. Eventually, scar tissue forms a ‘false joint’. This type of surgery is usually performed on small dogs whose weight can be supported by the false joint. It provides significant pain relief and is a more affordable option than the other techniques, but may leave the dog with a limp or gait abnormality.

Recovery after hip dysplasia surgery

JPS recovery

Activity restricted for around one week. Jumping and playing with other dogs should be avoided.

TPO recovery

Stitches removed after 10–14 days. Physical rehabilitation should begin shortly after surgery. Most dogs ready for full activity within 3 months.

THR recovery

12-week recovery period recommended. Crucial elements include pain control, joint supplements and low-impact controlled exercises. Immediate return to pre-surgery activity is not recommended.

FHO recovery

Most dogs show complete recovery within approximately six weeks. Toe-touch in 10–14 days, partial weight-bearing in 3 weeks, active use within one month, though complete healing can take up to 6 months.

Success rates and prognosis

JPS

85% chance that dogs with hip laxity will benefit. Infection following surgery is uncommon.

TPO

Long-term function reports are generally good to excellent. Complications (screw loosening, pelvic canal narrowing) are low-incidence.

THR

Approximately 90–95% of dogs attain excellent limb function improvement. 80% of dogs receiving THR do not need the opposite hip replaced. Complications are rare but can include dislocation, nerve injury, fracture, loosening, or infection.

FHO

Success varies depending on dog size and post-surgical rehabilitation. Most small dogs do very well. Many dogs will be left with a mild limp but pain relief is usually satisfactory.

Which dog breeds are most likely to need hip surgery?

Hip dysplasia is especially common in medium to large purebred dogs, but also occurs in smaller breeds and crossbreeds. Currently in Australia, the breeds most likely to require hip surgery include:

• Golden Retriever
• Rottweiler
• Border Collie
• Labradoodle
• Labrador and Labrador Cross
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• German Shepherd
• Groodle (Golden Doodle)
• Spoodle
• Cavoodle
• Mastiff
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Beagle Cross
• Australian Cattle Dog Cross
• Cocker Spaniel
• Kelpie Cross

In conclusion

Hip dysplasia in dogs is often a painful and debilitating condition, with surgery providing the best, or only, option for significant improvement in quality of life. Make sure you are fully informed of the treatment options available and the pros and cons of each of these, given your dog’s specific circumstances. Always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.