Total hip replacement restores mobility in dog with hip dysplasia: full analysis

A case spotlight from UC Davis is drawing attention to total hip replacement as a quality-of-life intervention for dogs with advanced hip dysplasia. The patient, Andy, a goldendoodle diagnosed in 2021, underwent total hip replacement after years of progressive disease and declining response to pain medication. UC Davis reported that by the six-month recheck, the implant remained stable with bone ingrowth, and Andy had returned to a normal, pain-free life. dvm360 amplified the case on April 28, 2026, one day after UC Davis published the original hospital story. (vetmed.ucdavis.edu)

The background is familiar to many general practitioners and surgeons: a young dog with hip dysplasia that can be managed for a time, until osteoarthritis, pain, and functional decline begin to outpace conservative care. In Andy’s case, his pet parents initially chose continued management after discussing options that included ongoing medical therapy, femoral head ostectomy, and total hip replacement. UC Davis said those management changes included weight reduction, omega-3 supplementation, and range-of-motion and aquatherapy exercises, but within 10 months his lameness worsened and handling sensitivity increased. (vetmed.ucdavis.edu)

When Andy returned to UC Davis in June 2025, radiographs showed moderate hip arthritis and severe left hip dysplasia with luxation. A CT scan was then used for surgical planning, and he was deemed a good candidate for total hip replacement. According to UC Davis and dvm360, the procedure replaced both the femoral head and acetabulum with implants made from titanium, cobalt-chromium, and polyethylene. Postoperative radiographs showed appropriate implant orientation, and Andy remained hospitalized for six days while receiving analgesics, anti-inflammatory therapy, and medications intended to reduce sudden movement during early recovery. (dvm360.com)

The postoperative management described in the case is as notable as the surgery itself. Andy was kept under strict activity restriction until his three-month recheck, with confinement except for brief leashed bathroom breaks and no running, jumping, or off-leash activity. At three months, the hip was stable and activity was gradually liberalized; at six months, UC Davis reported continued implant stability with bone ingrowth. That timeline underscores a point referral surgeons often make to primary care teams and pet parents alike: success depends not only on implant placement, but also on disciplined rehabilitation and home management. (dvm360.com)

There was limited independent third-party commentary on Andy’s specific case, but the broader specialist view is consistent. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons describes total hip replacement as an option for young dogs that cannot be successfully treated with earlier procedures, and notes that the surgery replaces both the ball and socket with metal and polyethylene implants. Older dvm360 clinical coverage similarly frames total hip replacement as a way to eliminate pain and restore function, while distinguishing it from femoral head ostectomy in terms of expected biomechanics and patient selection. (acvs.org)

For veterinary professionals, the case matters because it illustrates the referral threshold in a concrete way. Many dogs with hip dysplasia can be managed for long periods with weight control, rehabilitation, and analgesia, but once pain, handling aversion, and mobility loss begin to compromise daily life, referral discussions need to become more specific. Andy’s course also shows the value of setting expectations early: his pet parents had already discussed definitive surgical options before the crisis point, which likely made decision-making easier once conservative management failed. (vetmed.ucdavis.edu)

It also reflects a larger infrastructure story in specialty practice. UC Davis says its Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center, opened in 2024, supports complex orthopedic procedures including total hip replacements and custom 3D-printed titanium implants, and the school has recently hosted focused continuing education on canine total hip replacement covering patient selection, preoperative planning, surgical technique, and postoperative care. That suggests sustained institutional investment in joint replacement, not just isolated case success. (nutrition.vetmed.ucdavis.edu)

What to watch: Watch for more referral centers to emphasize joint replacement training, case selection protocols, and postoperative support, especially as demand grows for advanced orthopedic options that can restore long-term function in younger dogs with severe hip disease. (nutrition.vetmed.ucdavis.edu)