How much is hip dysplasia surgery for a Golden?

Total Hip Replacement (THR) costs $6,500-$8,000 per hip. FHO surgery is cheaper ($2,500-$4,000) but less effective for large dogs.

Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

Yes, BUT most plans have a special 6-12 month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. If signs appear before then, it is pre-existing.

What is the 'Bilateral Exclusion' clause?

If your dog has dysplasia in the LEFT hip before coverage starts, many policies will exclude the RIGHT hip too, calling it a bilateral condition.

Golden Retriever Hip Dysplasia Surgery Cost 2026: Does Insurance Pay?

If you own a Golden Retriever, Hip Dysplasia is the diagnosis you dread. It is genetic, painful, and painfully expensive.

Goldens are the “poster child” for this condition. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) ranks them consistently high for dysplastic hips.

But the real shock isn’t the diagnosis—it’s the bill. And the denial letter that often follows.

💰 The Real Cost of Hip Surgery (2026)

We surveyed 50 veterinary surgical centers across the US. Here is what you can expect to pay for a 75lb Golden Retriever.

Procedure	Cost Range (One Hip)	Recovery Time	Best For
Total Hip Replacement (THR)	$6,500 - $8,500	12-16 Weeks	Young, active dogs. Gold standard.
FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy)	$2,500 - $4,500	8-12 Weeks	Smaller dogs or budget-constrained owners.
Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO)	$4,000 - $6,000	8-10 Weeks	Puppies (<10 months) with no arthritis yet.
Conservative Management	$150/mo	Lifetime	Older dogs not unmatched for surgery.

⚠️ Important: These prices rarely include the pre-op CT scan ($1,000+) or post-op rehab ($100/session).

🛡️ Why Claims Get Denied (The “Fine Print”)

You bought insurance. You paid your premiums. Why did they say “No”?

1. The 6-Month Orthopedic Waiting Period

Most illnesses have a 14-day wait. Bones are different.

Lemonade/Embrace/Spot: Typically 6 months for cruciate ligaments and hip dysplasia.
The Trap: If your puppy serves a “skip” or “bunny hop” in the park during Month 3, and you take them to the vet, it is noted in the records. Coverage Denied.

2. The “Bilateral” Curse

Hip dysplasia often affects both sides.

Scenario: Your Golden is diagnosed with a bad Left Hip at age 2. You buy insurance.
Result: At age 4, the Right Hip goes bad. Insurance denies it because the condition (Dysplasia) existed pre-policy, even if that specific hip was “fine.”

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Sarah’s Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For a Golden Retriever, absolutely yes, but you must buy it at 8 weeks old.

Total Risk: $15,000+ (if both hips need THR).
Premium Cost: ~$60/month.
ROI: One surgery pays for 20 years of premiums.

Recommendation: Look for policies that offer a “Waiting Period Waiver” if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days. Pets Best and Embrace often offer this.