Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£200–£600

Treatment cost

£300–£6000

Ongoing cost

£50–£150 per month

Severity

Serious

Treatable

Manageable

Species

Dogs

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing the ball and socket to fit together loosely. Over time this leads to wear, inflammation, arthritis, and pain. It’s one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs, particularly medium to large breeds. While genetics play the biggest role, rapid growth, excess weight, and over-exercise in puppyhood can make it worse.

Symptoms to watch for

See a vet soon

Reluctance to exercise, climb stairs, or jump
Stiffness after resting, especially in the morning
Bunny-hopping gait when running
Swaying or wobbling in the hindquarters
Difficulty getting up from lying down
Reduced range of movement in the hips
Pain or yelping when the hip area is touched
Muscle wasting in the hind legs

How is hip dysplasia diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Consultation and physical examination	£35–£65
Hip X-rays (under sedation)	£150–£400
CT scan (if surgery is being considered)	£300–£600

Treatment options and costs

Conservative management (medication + weight control)

£50–£150 per month ongoing

Anti-inflammatory medication, pain relief, weight management, controlled exercise, and joint supplements. Suitable for mild to moderate cases or dogs who aren’t good surgical candidates.

Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE)

£1,500–£3,000 per hip

Removes the ball of the hip joint, allowing scar tissue to form a false joint. More common in smaller dogs. Less expensive than total hip replacement but outcomes can be less predictable in larger breeds.

Total hip replacement (THR)

£4,000–£7,000 per hip

Replaces the entire hip joint with a prosthetic. Gold-standard treatment for severe hip dysplasia in medium to large dogs. Performed by specialist orthopaedic surgeons; usually involves referral to a specialist hospital.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£50–£150 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Labrador Retriever	High
German Shepherd	High
Golden Retriever	High
Rottweiler	High
Bernese Mountain Dog	High
French Bulldog	Moderate
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

Most lifetime pet insurance policies cover hip dysplasia diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, provided it develops after the policy starts and isn’t a pre-existing condition. Some insurers exclude hip dysplasia for the first 6–12 months of cover or require hip screening. Always check the specific exclusions on your policy. Claims for hip dysplasia treatment are among the highest-value orthopaedic claims in the UK pet insurance market.

Related conditions

Arthritis Dogs Elbow Dysplasia Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does hip dysplasia treatment cost in total?

It depends on the approach. Conservative management costs £600–£1,800 per year in medication and supplements. Surgery ranges from £1,500–£6,000 per hip, plus follow-up physiotherapy. Many dogs need treatment in both hips. Total lifetime cost for a severely affected dog can reach £10,000–£15,000+.

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

You can’t eliminate genetic risk, but you can reduce it. Buy from breeders who hip-score their dogs (the BVA/KC scheme gives each hip a score from 0–53; lower is better). Keep your puppy at a healthy weight, avoid over-exercising growing joints, and feed a diet appropriate for large-breed puppies that supports controlled growth.

At what age do dogs show signs of hip dysplasia?

Some dogs show signs as early as 5–6 months during rapid growth, but many don’t show obvious symptoms until 1–2 years old or even later when arthritis develops. Large and giant breeds are more commonly diagnosed young, while some dogs compensate well until middle age.

Is hip dysplasia surgery worth the cost?

For young, otherwise healthy dogs with severe hip dysplasia, total hip replacement often delivers excellent long-term outcomes and can restore near-normal activity levels. For older dogs or milder cases, conservative management may provide adequate quality of life at much lower cost. Your vet or orthopaedic specialist can help you weigh the options.