Total hip replacement surgery: a complete guide

If your pet has severe hip dysplasia or other hip join problems, they might need a hip replacement. Here’s your essential guide to hip surgery for dogs and cats.

Shakira’s hips don’t lie, and neither do your dog’s or cat’s! If your dog or cat is stiff, limping or avoiding stairs, sore hips could be to blame. In many cases, hip issues can be managed with rest, medication or physio. But if the problem is more serious – or if other treatments aren’t helping – your vet may recommend total hip replacement (THR) surgery to ease pain and improve movement. THR involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one, usually made from metal and plastic.  It’s most often used for severe hip dysplasia but can also be recommended in some cases of traumatic hip dislocation, hip fractures or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Here’s what’s involved in total hip replacement surgery, when it’s needed and how you can support your pet’s recovery.

When is a total hip replacement needed?

Total hip replacement surgery is the most effective treatment for canine hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. Without treatment, over time, arthritis and degeneration of the joint will set in, leaving your dog or cat with a limp or struggling to rise. While humans usually get hip replacements later in life, pets don’t have to wait – dogs and cats can have the procedure from around nine months of age. In fact, earlier surgery often leads to a better outcome, especially before arthritis sets in.

Larger dog breeds are more likely to need a total hip replacement, with Saint Bernards, Labradors, Golden retrievers and German shepherds among the usual suspects. The good news: even if your dog has hip dysplasia in both hips, in 80% of cases only one hip replacement is needed to get them back to full activity again. However, this is on a case-by-case basis. In cats, surgery is less common and usually done on just one hip when the condition is severe but there are still instances where both hips need to be replaced.

Is total hip replacement right for my dog or cat?

If your pet is showing signs of hip dysplasia or advanced arthritis, you might be wondering whether total hip replacement is the right path.

In dogs, signs of hip dysplasia often include:

• Wobbliness in the back legs
• Stiffness, limping or a ‘bunny hopping’ movement
• Struggling to jump, run, climb stairs or get up after sitting
• Reduced activity levels
• A grating sound in the joint while moving
• Overdeveloped shoulder muscles and smaller thigh muscles (from overcompensating)

In cats, hip dysplasia is less common, but it can still happen – and the signs are often more subtle. Look for:

• Limping or difficulty walking
• Avoiding favourite jumping or climbing spots
• Stiff or slow movement, especially after rest
• Discomfort when their hips are touched or handled
• Less interest in play or physical activity
• Changes in posture to take pressure off the sore hip

If your pet is showing any of these signs, your vet may start with a physical exam and X-rays to assess how advanced the joint damage is. Not every pet with hip dysplasia will need surgery – but in more serious cases, total hip replacement can significantly improve their quality of life.

What happens in total hip replacement surgery?

If non-surgical treatments for hip dysplasia or arthritis aren’t making a difference to your pet’s health, your vet may recommend surgery. Total hip replacement surgery is a complex procedure, but it’s one with a high success rate – over 90% of dogs and cats experience excellent limb function after the operation. During the surgery, which typically takes two to three hours, veterinary surgeons will remove your pet’s existing hip joint and replace it with one made of metal and plastic. With the artificial joint, your pet could get a whole new lease (or leash) on life. After recovery, many owners are delighted to see their pets moving comfortably again. To be suitable for a total hip replacement, your pet must be in good health, and at least nine months old. Your vet will assess your pet’s condition and overall health to determine if THR is the right option.

How do I care for my pet after total hip replacement?

To give your pet the best chance of a full recovery they’ll usually have to stay in hospital for a few days to be monitored.

After your furry friend is discharged and at home, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t put too much strain on their new hip – which means very restricted movement for three months, no matter how much they give you those puppy-dog eyes pleading for walk time. Especially during the first six weeks while the bone is growing into the implants, your pet must avoid running and jumping to make sure the implant stays in place (crate rest is the best way to avoid problems, and you’ll need to keep them well away from slippery floors).

You’ll be given pain medication for your pet as well as advice on rehabilitation (which may include physiotherapy and hydrotherapy), and there will be a schedule for check-ups and X-rays to make sure your furball is healing as they should.

Ongoing care after a total hip replacement

Unlike humans, most pets won’t need another hip replacement once they’ve had one — an artificial joint is usually built to last their lifetime. That said, they will need extra TLC to keep everything in good shape. If your pet ever develops an infection, they may need antibiotics to prevent it spreading to the bone around the implant. Your vet will also recommend antibiotics before and after any future procedures – including dental work – as a precaution.

To help prevent arthritis and keep your pet moving well into their later years, it’s important to keep their joints healthy. That means managing their weight, sticking to a regular exercise routine, and possibly adding joint supplements to their diet. Your vet can guide you on what’s best for your furry mate, so they can stay active and comfortable for years to come.