What is total hip
replacement surgery?
Advanced surgery to replace a
painful hip joint
Total hip replacement involves removing your pet’s hip joint and replacing it with a metal head and plastic/metal socket. By removing damaged hip joints, we can eliminate pain and help pets live a more normal life. Total hip replacement is most commonly performed in dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis, but it is also sometimes performed after fractures and other injuries to the hip and it can even be performed in cats.
The surgery is only recommended for pets with painful hips that haven’t responded to non-surgical treatment. Most pets will make a full recovery and have a better quality of life free from hip pain. You can read more about THR in Andy’s blog.
For your peace of mind routine THR is a fixed-price which includes the initial assessment and x-rays and post-surgery support from our team. Furthermore we are so confident of our surgical success rates that we offer a surgical guarantee after routine THR surgery: in the unlikely event your dog suffers a complication after surgery we will manage this free-of-charge (T&Cs apply). We do not know of any other specialist centre in the south east that offers such good value.
Routine THR: £7,000
Why Moores Ortho?
THR is a very technical procedure and most dogs return to full function without any problems, but complications are possible in a minority of patients. One of the most serious complications is infection and to reduce this risk our surgical theatres are designed to human theatre specifications with their own HEPA filtered ventilation.
Andy Moores is one of the most experienced THR surgeons in the UK, having performed hundreds of these surgeries with very good success rates. Andy has co-authored several research papers on THR in cats and dogs.
At the Moores Orthopaedic Clinic we can offer:
- Expert assessment of your pet to ensure THR is right for them
- A highly experienced surgeon who has performed hundreds of total hip replacements
- If we do not think your pet will benefit from surgery then we will happily advise you of this
- A purpose-built modern clinic with advanced facilities, designed to minimise the risk of complications
- Detailed aftercare instructions and support during recovery including discounted physiotherapy packages
- Personal and professional service
- Very competitive pricing and a surgical guarantee
What can you expect before and after surgery
At your initial appointment we will review your local vet’s history and any x-rays, and thoroughly assess your pet. We will advise you on treatment options and costs, whether this be THR or another treatment. If we are going to proceed with hip replacement then we may need to take more x-rays for surgical planning. A surgery date can then be scheduled.
After surgery, your pet will go home with a detailed postoperative care plan and any necessary medications.
Limitations in activity are essential, especially within the first eight weeks. These will be detailed on the postoperative care plan. We will always be available for advice if you need us and we will ask you to return to the clinic to check on your pet’s recovery and progress.
After recovery, most dogs can expect a return to full fitness free from pain, but it will take a few months at least to get back to full activity
Amber
11 months after her total hip replacement
FAQs
How much is a total hip replacement for a dog?
THR is a technical procedure requiring specialist expertise, equipment and implants, and the price reflects this. Our pricing however is very competitive compared to other centres. To help with your financial planning THR surgery is a fixed-cost procedure.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from hip surgery?
Most dogs are walking on the operated leg as soon as the day after surgery, but they need to be restricted to maximise their chances of an uncomplicated recovery. For the first eight weeks we will advise little more than toilet walks only, but after this period gradually increasing lead walks are started. Running, jumping and stairs must be avoided. Most dogs are starting off-lead activity 3-4 months after surgery. Recovery is a slow process but the results for most dogs will make THR surgery very worthwhile.
How successful is total hip replacement in dogs?
In most instances, cats and dogs will recover to a much higher level of comfort and activity than before their total hip replacement surgery. Owners also often comment on how much happier their pet is after surgery.
Is total hip replacement surgery covered by my insurance?
Almost certainly yes, but do check your policy carefully in case there are any exclusions or limits on cover. Some insurance policies will limit how much they pay-out for surgery. If you are unsure about your level of cover then please let us know and we can investigate this for you.
Is total hip replacement a major surgery?
Yes, this is a major orthopaedic procedure and complications can occur. However, our team are very experienced in performing total hip replacement surgery. Furthermore, our modern clinic has been designed to minimise the risk of complications. The filtered ventilation system in our surgical suite, for example, meets the requirements for a human operating theatre and is designed to minimise the risk of infection, one of the most serious complications after total hip replacement.
What age can a dog have a hip replacement?
We generally prefer to wait until a dog is at least 10 months old before considering a total hip replacement, although in exceptional circumstances we can perform surgery in younger patients.
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