Dog Hip Dysplasia Surgery Cost: $3,000–$7,000 (2026 Guide)

Hip dysplasia surgery for dogs ranges from $1,500 to $7,000+ per hip depending on the technique. FHO (femoral head ostectomy) removes the ball of the hip joint and costs $1,500–$3,000. Total hip replacement (THR) provides full joint function and costs $4,500–$7,000 per hip. Both require a board-certified veterinary surgeon.

Cost at a Glance

Dog

$3,000–$7,000

Private vet, national avg

CA / NY

$3,900–$9,450

25–35% above avg

What Affects the Cost

▸ FHO (femoral head ostectomy): removes the ball of the hip joint, allowing scar tissue to form a 'false joint.' Best for small and medium dogs or dogs with severe muscle atrophy. Costs $1,500–$3,000 per hip.
▸ Total hip replacement (THR): replaces the hip with a prosthetic implant. Best outcome for large active dogs. Costs $4,500–$7,000 per hip. If both hips need replacement, budget $9,000–$14,000+.
▸ Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS): a preventive procedure done before 5 months in puppies with early dysplasia. Much less expensive ($500–$1,500) but only an option in young dogs.
▸ Medical management (NSAIDs, weight management, physical therapy) costs $100–$400/month and can delay or avoid surgery in mild cases.
▸ Most commonly affected breeds: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards.
▸ Pre-surgical diagnostics (X-rays, CT scan at specialty centers) add $200–$600 before surgery begins.

Cost by State

National average adjusted by state cost-of-living index. Urban areas run ~30% higher than suburban; rural ~25% lower.

State	Dog	vs. Avg
Alabama	$2460–$5740	-18%
Alaska	$3750–$8750	+25%
Arizona	$2850–$6650	-5%
Arkansas	$2400–$5600	-20%
California	$4050–$9450	+35%
Colorado	$3300–$7700	+10%
Connecticut	$3750–$8750	+25%
Delaware	$3150–$7350	+5%
Florida	$3000–$7000	0%
Georgia	$2700–$6300	-10%
Hawaii	$4200–$9800	+40%
Idaho	$2700–$6300	-10%
Illinois	$3150–$7350	+5%
Indiana	$2640–$6160	-12%
Iowa	$2550–$5950	-15%
Kansas	$2550–$5950	-15%
Kentucky	$2550–$5950	-15%
Louisiana	$2550–$5950	-15%
Maine	$3000–$7000	0%
Maryland	$3450–$8050	+15%
Massachusetts	$3900–$9100	+30%
Michigan	$2700–$6300	-10%
Minnesota	$3000–$7000	0%
Mississippi	$2340–$5460	-22%
Missouri	$2550–$5950	-15%
Montana	$2760–$6440	-8%
Nebraska	$2640–$6160	-12%
Nevada	$3150–$7350	+5%
New Hampshire	$3300–$7700	+10%
New Jersey	$3750–$8750	+25%
New Mexico	$2640–$6160	-12%
New York	$3900–$9100	+30%
North Carolina	$2760–$6440	-8%
North Dakota	$2640–$6160	-12%
Ohio	$2700–$6300	-10%
Oklahoma	$2460–$5740	-18%
Oregon	$3300–$7700	+10%
Pennsylvania	$3000–$7000	0%
Rhode Island	$3300–$7700	+10%
South Carolina	$2640–$6160	-12%
South Dakota	$2550–$5950	-15%
Tennessee	$2640–$6160	-12%
Texas	$2760–$6440	-8%
Utah	$2850–$6650	-5%
Vermont	$3150–$7350	+5%
Virginia	$3150–$7350	+5%
Washington	$3450–$8050	+15%
West Virginia	$2400–$5600	-20%
Wisconsin	$2760–$6440	-8%
Wyoming	$2700–$6300	-10%

Data: AVMA fee surveys, BLS cost-of-living data. Ranges reflect typical private practice prices — low-cost clinics and university teaching hospitals charge significantly less.

Common Questions

How much does dog hip dysplasia surgery cost? ▼

Dog hip dysplasia surgery costs $1,500–$7,000+ per hip depending on technique. FHO (femoral head ostectomy) runs $1,500–$3,000 and is typically used for small and medium dogs. Total hip replacement (THR) costs $4,500–$7,000 per hip and provides better long-term outcomes for large active dogs. If both hips require THR, total cost is $9,000–$14,000+. California and New York orthopedic surgeons charge 30–40% more.

Is surgery always required for hip dysplasia in dogs? ▼

No. Mild to moderate hip dysplasia in dogs can often be managed medically for years — NSAIDs, joint supplements, physical therapy, and weight management. Surgery becomes necessary when medical management no longer controls pain or function declines significantly. For young large-breed dogs with severe dysplasia, surgery earlier leads to better long-term outcomes than waiting until symptoms worsen.

What is the difference between FHO and total hip replacement for dogs? ▼

FHO removes the ball of the hip joint, allowing the body to form a 'false joint' from scar tissue. It costs $1,500–$3,000 per hip and works well for dogs under 50 lbs or inactive larger dogs. Total hip replacement (THR) implants a prosthetic ball and socket joint — the same concept as human hip replacement. It costs $4,500–$7,000 per hip, requires a board-certified surgeon, but provides significantly better mobility and less long-term arthritis for active large dogs.

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Data: Nationwide Pet Insurance Claims Data, AVMA U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, APPA National Pet Owners Survey, VECCS Emergency Cost Data

Last updated: January 2025

How we calculate this · Pet insurance terms vary. Read the policy carefully, especially exclusions for pre-existing and breed-specific conditions.