Canine hip replacement (Total Hip Replacement / THR) is one of the most advanced orthopaedic procedures available to dogs today. As one of the very few veterinary surgeons in Hyderabad trained in THR in Italy, Dr. N Ramesh at MrVet Hospitals has extensive expertise in this life-changing procedure.
Learn about TPLO and advanced dog surgery at MrVet
What is canine hip replacement surgery?
Total Hip Replacement (THR) in dogs involves replacing the diseased hip joint with a prosthetic implant — similar in concept to human hip replacement surgery. It is most commonly performed for dogs with severe hip dysplasia or advanced arthritis where other treatments have failed.
Which dogs are candidates for hip replacement?
- Dogs with severe hip dysplasia (most common — large breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers)
- Dogs with advanced osteoarthritis causing significant pain and mobility loss
- Dogs weighing 15 kg or more (size requirement for most implant systems)
- Dogs in otherwise good health with no systemic disease
What does the surgery involve?
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon removes the existing ball-and-socket hip joint and replaces it with a custom prosthetic. At MrVet, we use internationally approved implant systems. The procedure takes 1.5–3 hours per hip. Many dogs require only one hip replaced; some need staged bilateral replacement.
Recovery timeline
- Week 1–2: Rest, pain management, restricted movement
- Week 3–6: Controlled lead walks only, physiotherapy exercises begin
- Month 2–3: Gradual return to normal activity
- Month 4–6: Full recovery expected in most cases
Regular follow-up X-rays are taken to monitor implant positioning and bone integration.
Success rates and outcomes
In properly selected patients, THR has an excellent success rate — over 90% of dogs return to near-normal or normal activity levels. Pain is dramatically reduced and quality of life improves significantly.
Hip replacement cost in Hyderabad
Canine hip replacement is a specialist procedure and costs accordingly. In India, THR typically ranges from ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 per hip depending on the implant system, dog’s size, and hospital. Contact MrVet Hospitals directly for a personalised quote.
MrVet Hospitals is one of the very few clinics in Hyderabad with a surgeon internationally certified in Canine Total Hip Replacement. Contact us to discuss if your dog is a candidate.
Contact MrVet Hospitals — Gachibowli
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is hip replacement surgery worth it for dogs?
A: For dogs in significant pain from hip dysplasia or severe arthritis, THR offers excellent outcomes with over 90% returning to near-normal activity. For many dogs it is genuinely life-changing.
Q: What is the alternative to hip replacement for dogs?
A: Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) is a more affordable alternative. It removes the femoral head and relies on scar tissue — functional but not as good an outcome as THR for large breeds. Conservative management (physiotherapy, pain medications) is also used in milder cases.
Q: How long does a dog live after hip replacement?
A: The prosthetic implant typically lasts the dog’s lifetime with no need for revision in most cases. Dogs often live a full, active life after recovery.
