A total hip replacement (THR) for dogs or cats can be a transformative surgery giving patients their mobility back and dramatically improving their quality of life. The specialist-led orthopaedic service here at the RVC provides tailored hip joint solutions based on the clinical needs of your dog or cat.

Quality facilities to deliver the best hip replacement patient outcomes

Our team use the BioMedtrix universal hip system. This is widely recognised as the industry leader for implants, development and support. It allows for cementless bone-ingrowth implants as well as cemented immediately stable implants.

Fixed and guideline prices available online here

RVC: veterinary pioneers of canine hip replacements

In the 1980s, the RVC was one of the first clinics offer total hip replacement for dogs and we continue to use evidence-based research to improve our case management

Hip Replacement in Cats & Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a total hip replacement ?

Total hip replacement involves removing the hip joint (the round head of the thigh bone and its cup in the pelvis) and replacing them with a metal head and a smooth plastic or plastic and metal cup. This is an effective way of eliminating pain from a diseased hip joint whilst providing an artificial joint that functions in a near normal way.

How much does it cost for a total hip replacement for a dog or cat?

Our latest pricing information is available here
Currently - the estimate price for THR in an average sized dog, including the initial evaluation and Xrays is £6500* (last updated 1st August 2025; terms and conditions apply)

Which conditions typically require hip replacement surgery in dogs?

The majority of hip replacements are for either severe Hip Dysplasia (a developmental problem where the hip joint doesn't form correctly), and osteoarthritis (OA): Chronic joint inflammation and degeneration which results in pain and limits mobility.

Other conditions we treat using hip replacements would be

• Severe fractures
• Dislocations (Luxation) If the hip joint cannot be stabilized, hip replacement may need to be considered
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Avascular Necrosis): This is the degeneration of the "ball" (femoral head) of the hip joint
• Slipped capital physeal fractures

What is the minimum age for dog hip replacement surgery?

It is preferred to have a hip replacement after the skeleton is fully grown. This is usually after 10monts of age, but occasionally exceptions are made. Some younger dogs do clinically improve without surgery as they reach maturity as well.

What is the maximum age for dog hip replacement surgery?

There is no maximum age, and in otherwise healthy older dogs, a hip replacement can improvement their quality of life significantly. Our specialist-led anaethesia service are able to provide safe anaesthesia for surgery even in older dogs.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from hip replacement surgery?

Dogs need to be carefully rested for 8 weeks after surgery, and normal activity can resume from 3 months. How long does a dog hip replacement last? It is expected that the hip implants will last the duration of the average dog lifespan.

Feline Hip Replacement Surgery

We do also offer total hip replacements for cats. Where the clinical need arises, we conduct hip replacement surgery for cats with hip osteoarthritis, or capital physeal fractures ‘slipped capital physis’.