Total hip replacement restores mobility in dog with hip dysplasia

Andy, a golden retriever-poodle mix with progressive hip dysplasia, regained pain-free mobility after a total hip replacement at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. According to UC Davis and dvm360, Andy was diagnosed as a puppy in 2021, managed medically for several years, then returned in June 2025 with worsening left-sided lameness, moderate hip arthritis, and severe left hip dysplasia with luxation. After CT-based planning, Barbro Filliquist, DVM, DACVS-SA, DECVS, and the UC Davis team performed a biologic total hip replacement using metal implants and a polyethylene liner. At six months, the implant remained stable with bone ingrowth, and Andy had returned to normal activity without pain. (dvm360.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the case is a practical reminder of where total hip replacement fits in the treatment pathway for canine hip dysplasia: not as a first-line option for every patient, but as a durable salvage procedure when medical management no longer maintains comfort or function. UC Davis’ account also highlights the intensity of case selection and aftercare, including preoperative imaging, strict postoperative confinement, and serial rechecks before return to activity. That aligns with broader guidance that total hip replacement can restore near-normal function in appropriately selected dogs, while other options, including continued conservative management or femoral head ostectomy, may be more appropriate in different cases. (dvm360.com)

What to watch: Expect continued attention on referral-center orthopedic capacity and training, as UC Davis has expanded its joint replacement capabilities and recently offered dedicated continuing education in canine total hip replacement. (nutrition.vetmed.ucdavis.edu)