Total hip replacement is a well-established treatment option for painful disorders of the hip in dogs.
Total hip replacement is most commonly recommended for hip dysplasia, a developmental condition that leads to painful arthritis in the hip joint. It is also an excellent option for dogs with arthritis caused by other issues such as previous trauma, severe hip fractures that cannot be repaired, or chronic hip luxation.
In total hip replacement, the damaged ball and socket of the hip are replaced with synthetic implants. A metallic cup with a polyethylene liner is placed in the pelvis, and a metallic ball attached to a femoral stem replaces the femoral head. Together, these components create a smooth, low-friction joint surface.
At AOCF, we primarily use cementless implants, which allow the bone to grow securely onto the implant for long-term stability.
Cementless total hip replacement in a dog
Most dogs begin using the operated leg almost immediately after surgery, though support with a sling is needed for the first 2–4 weeks. Strict confinement during this early period is essential to protect the new joint.
Limb use typically improves gradually over the first several weeks. Leash walks are slowly increased over a 3-month recovery period. Follow-up X-rays are taken at around 3 months to confirm implant stability before returning to off-leash activity.
The success rate of total hip replacement is very high. More than 95% of dogs return to near-normal or fully normal activity with long-term comfort and mobility.
About 20% of patients eventually require surgery on the opposite hip due to arthritis, but once replaced, the implants generally last a lifetime.
Complications are uncommon but possible. The most frequent is hip dislocation, occurring in approximately 3–5% of cases. Other potential complications include fracture, nerve injury, or infection.
Careful surgical technique and strict adherence to postoperative instructions are the most important factors in minimizing risks and achieving an excellent long-term outcome.
Experience and expertise strongly influence total hip replacement outcomes. Studies show that surgeons who perform a high number of hip replacements each year have fewer complications and better results.
Reasonable questions to ask your surgeon include:
These questions can help ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care.
Animal Orthopaedic Clinic of Florida is led by a nationally recognized expert in joint replacement. Dr. Stanley Kim is an ACVS Founding Fellow in Joint Replacement Surgery—the highest level of formal recognition in this specialty.
This designation reflects extensive clinical experience, high surgical volume, meaningful contributions to scientific research, and leadership in training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Kim also mentored the first ACVS Fellow to complete a formal fellowship in joint replacement surgery.
At AOCF, we provide evidence-based, individualized treatment plans, ensuring your pet receives the best possible chance at long-term, pain-free mobility.
Total Knee replacement can help some dogs with severe arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with specialized implants that restore comfortable, natural movement. This procedure can greatly reduce pain and allow dogs to return to good levels of activity.
AOCF is the only veterinary center in the southeastern United States offering total Knee replacement for dogs. These surgeries require careful case selection, detailed planning, and precise surgical technique to ensure the best possible outcome. If you or your veterinarian believes that your dog may benefit from this procedure, please contact us to learn more.
Total Ankle replacement can help some dogs with severe arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with specialized implants that restore comfortable, natural movement. This procedure can greatly reduce pain and allow dogs to return to good levels of activity.
AOCF is the only veterinary center in the southeastern United States offering total Ankle replacement for dogs. These surgeries require careful case selection, detailed planning, and precise surgical technique to ensure the best possible outcome. If you or your veterinarian believes that your dog may benefit from this procedure,
Total Hip replacement can help some dogs with severe arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with specialized implants that restore comfortable, natural movement. This procedure can greatly reduce pain and allow dogs to return to good levels of activity.
Animal Orthopedic Clinic of Florida is the only veterinary center in the southeastern United States offering total Hip replacement for dogs. These surgeries require careful case selection, detailed planning, and precise surgical technique to ensure the best possible outcome. If you or your veterinarian believes that your dog may benefit from this procedure, please contact us to learn more.
Total Elbow replacement can help some dogs with severe arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with specialized implants that restore comfortable, natural movement. This procedure can greatly reduce pain and allow dogs to return to good levels of activity.
AOCF is the only veterinary center in the southeastern United States offering total Elbow replacement for dogs. These surgeries require careful case selection, detailed planning, and precise surgical technique to ensure the best possible outcome. If you or your veterinarian believes that your dog may benefit from this procedure, please contact us to learn more.
At Animal Orthopaedic Clinic of Florida, every patient benefits from unmatched expertise. Our head clinician is an internationally recognized leader and researcher in veterinary orthopaedic surgery. Using evidence-based, individualized care, we are dedicated to giving your dog the best chance at long-term, pain-free mobility.