Total Hip Replacement

Frequently asked questions:

What is Total Hip Replacement?
Why might my dog need total hip replacement?
Where is total hip replacement available?
What are the risks of total hip replacement?
What happens during surgery?
How long will my dog be in the hospital?
What follow-up care will I expect after the surgery?
How much does total hip replacement surgery cost?
How do I make an appointment for consultation?

What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total Hip Replacement and refers to a surgical technique where the hip joint of the patient is removed, usually by cutting the damaged part of the bones in the joint and replacing them with a metal and/or plastic implant that fit the patient. 

Why might my dog need total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement may be necessary due to advanced osteoarthritis or traumatic injury leading to loss of mobility and high levels of pain resulting in a deteriorated quality of life for the dog.  Before hip replacement is advised, all options must be considered, from nonsurgical management involving medication and lifestyle changes, to amputation (in rare cases) or excision arthroplasty (a surgery that simply removed the femoral head and neck to reduce the pain, but has mixed results) of the affected joint.  An exam by a board-certified veterinary surgeon will provide a thorough physical, diagnostic, and radiographic evaluation to help you make a decision that will best serve your dog’s health.

Where is total hip replacement available?
Total hip replacement is available only at a number of veterinary hospitals around the country; the University of Minnesota is fortunate to have several surgeons highly trained in this procedure, and is optimistic that they can help your dog.

What are the risks of total hip replacement?
As with all surgeries, this procedure is not without risk, and your expectations must be reasonable.  The risks of anesthetic complications are low, but not 0%.  Additional revision surgeries may be necessary, and there is a possibility the hip may need arthrodesis or even amputation (in rare cases) of the leg in order to save the dog’s life.  Overall, the success rate following total hip replacement is reported to be over 90%.

What happens during surgery?
The patient is placed under continually monitored general inhalation anesthesia for the 2-hour surgical procedure. A vertical incision about 8-10 inches long is made on the hip to access the joint.  Damaged articular cartilage and joint surfaces are then removed and a prosthetic implant (made of plastic, metal, or both) is inserted into the bones.  The joint is then re-articulated and the incision closed.

How long will my dog be in the hospital?
The length of stay for your dog is variable, but discharge is typically within 48-hours after surgery.  When the dog is walking comfortably and eating well – signs that the initial post-surgical pain is under control - the dog can continue its recovery in the comfort of their own home.

What follow-up care will I expect after the surgery?
We expect follow-up visits (at the UM or your veterinarian with the information forwarded to us) throughout the first year, including radiographs, data gathering, and video imaging likely as part of the exam.  Rehabilitation will begin while your dog is in the hospital, and post-operative physical therapy after release from the hospital may be necessary.   However, exercise restriction for the first 8-weeks after surgery is generally recommended. Fees are associated with the follow-up exams and physical therapies.  

How much does total hip replacement surgery cost?
Every case is unique and requires careful evaluation before an estimate can be given.  However, hip replacement cases typically cost in the range of $4500, but can run higher if additional surgery becomes necessary.

How do I make an appointment for consultation?
You can make an appointment by calling the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center at 1-800-626-VETS (8387).  Ask for an orthopedic surgical consultation appointment with Dr. Conzemius or Dr. Pluhar.