Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: Hip dysplasia surgery for a dog in the UK ranges from around £700 for an FHO in a small dog to £6,500–£9,500 per hip for a total hip replacement. The Royal Veterinary College estimates £6,500 per hip for an average-sized dog, and dogs that need both hips done can face bills of £15,000 or more. Pet insurance usually covers hip dysplasia as an illness if it starts after the policy begins, but many vet fee limits are too low for a hip replacement.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common inherited joint problems in dogs, especially in large breeds. This guide compares the treatment options, their costs and how insurance handles them.
Hip dysplasia treatment costs compared
| Treatment | Typical UK cost | Usually suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative management (weight control, controlled exercise, pain relief, physiotherapy) | Ongoing monthly cost of medication and therapy | Mild to moderate cases |
| Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) | Around £1,300 | Puppies, typically under about 18 weeks |
| Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) | Around £5,800–£6,500 | Young dogs before arthritis develops |
| Femoral head and neck excision (FHO) | Around £700–£4,000 | Smaller dogs, or when a replacement isn’t suitable |
| Total hip replacement (THR), one hip | £6,500 at the Royal Veterinary College; around £8,000 on average, ranging from £6,500 to £9,500+ | Severe cases, usually in larger dogs |
| Total hip replacement, both hips | Around £15,000 or more | Dogs affected on both sides |
The RVC estimate includes the initial evaluation and X-rays for an average-sized dog. Total hip replacements are carried out at specialist referral centres, so there are usually referral consultation and imaging fees before surgery.
Why hip replacement costs so much
A total hip replacement removes the damaged ball and socket and replaces them with metal and plastic implants. It needs a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, a fully equipped theatre, the implants themselves and careful aftercare. When both hips are affected, the operations are usually done months apart, so the costs are spread over more than one policy year.
Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?
Often, yes, on accident and illness policies. Hip dysplasia is an illness, not an injury, so accident-only policies won’t cover it. Four things decide how much you get back:
- When the first signs appeared. If your dog showed stiffness, limping or hip pain before the policy started, the condition will normally be excluded. See pre-existing conditions.
- Your vet fee limit. NimbleFins points out that with a single hip now costing around £8,000, even a £7,000 lifetime limit may not cover one replacement. See how much vet fee cover you need.
- Bilateral wording. Many policies treat problems affecting both hips as one condition, which matters if one hip had signs before cover started.
- Policy type. Hip dysplasia is lifelong. Time-limited and maximum benefit policies stop paying once their limit or time runs out; only lifetime cover resets each year. See lifetime vs time-limited vs maximum benefit cover.
Because the two hips are often operated on in different policy years, a lifetime policy with an annual limit that resets can pay for both even if a single year’s limit wouldn’t.
Screening before you buy a puppy
For breeds prone to hip dysplasia, ask the breeder for the parents’ hip scores under the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme. Scores run from 0 to 106 for both hips, and lower is better. Screening doesn’t guarantee healthy hips, but it reduces the risk.
How to plan for the cost
- Insure early, before any signs appear. Premiums for at-risk breeds are higher, but the cover is worth most for exactly these conditions. See pet insurance cost in the UK.
- Choose a high vet fee limit if your breed is prone to joint problems.
- Get a written estimate and pre-approval before surgery.
- Ask about all the options, including FHO and conservative management, and what outcome to expect from each.
- If money is tight, discuss it with your vet before deciding. See what happens if you can’t pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog hip replacement cost in the UK?
Around £6,500 to £9,500 per hip, with the Royal Veterinary College estimating £6,500 for an average-sized dog including evaluation and X-rays.
Is FHO cheaper than a hip replacement?
Yes, considerably. It removes the ball of the hip joint and lets a false joint form. It tends to suit smaller dogs better.
Can hip dysplasia be managed without surgery?
Many mild to moderate cases are managed with weight control, controlled exercise, pain relief and physiotherapy. Your vet will advise what suits your dog.
Does pet insurance cover both hips?
It can, if neither hip showed signs before the policy started and your limit is high enough. Check the bilateral wording and whether your limit resets each year.
Which breeds are most at risk?
Large breeds are most commonly affected, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. See also cruciate ligament surgery costs, another common joint problem in these breeds.
Key takeaways
- A total hip replacement costs around £6,500 to £9,500 per hip; both hips can exceed £15,000.
- FHO and puppy procedures cost far less but suit different dogs.
- Insurance usually covers hip dysplasia as an illness if there were no earlier signs.
- Check your vet fee limit: many are too low for a single hip replacement.
Prices are typical ranges, not quotes. This guide is not veterinary advice; your vet will recommend the right treatment for your dog.