Hi, I am new here and was emailed the topic of your post since I too had a newfie diaganosed with severe hip dysplasia at six mos in both hips. We opted for not getting the total hip replacement so I cannot help you with what that entails, I only know it was very expensive (ten yrs ago) I am thinking in the 30xxx range for one hip (but might have been total both hips, its been a long while so my memory isnt sharp on the amount) Remember it was 10 yrs ago and medical science I am sure had improved since. But I believe there were no guarantees ten yrs ago that the hip replacement would be 100 percent guarantee.
We opted for a surgical procedure (cant remember what its called) where they scraped the loose particles of bone tissue/cartilage etc which was about three grand. She also had OCD in all her limbs (knees, elbows, shoulders you name it) She was taken to the very best animal hosp in my state and after looking at exrays, was suprised when they opened her up how bad it really was.
She was never able to go on walks but could tolerate walking on flat surfaces. The only walks she had was around our culdesac, of course in the yard, and visits to petco. So she wasnt completely lame. But very limited.
She had a wonderful quality of life despite that, we had meds for her on days that she needed them more than others. And I believe a shot (cosequin??) that would last a few mos. It was a shot they give horses I am probably wrong on the name of it. We did have to choose to put her down humanely at two yrs of age but REMEMBER, I did not have the hip replacement so pls listen to someone who had gone thru that procedure and not take just my story as it is different and was ten yrs ago.
Anyway, one thing I can tell you is being a puppy, it is hard to control them to not jump and romp. Even as I picked her up from the hospital a few days after surgery, she immedialtely jumped on me like she had NO pain. We were crating her alot since she was supposed to not run or jump. Young puppies want to run, jump and tend to get excited. So that in itself is a tremedous feat to try to keep them in a calm state.
If you can afford the hip replacement, I would definitly get your questions answered and pursue that! Looking back, I do not regret prolonging my babies life. It was a wonderful 2 years I would not trade. You probably with medical science today and if you are able to afford it, can prolong your babies life probably far longer than mine. But again, pls dont take my experience or opinion as mine is far outdated and our choice was not in regards to the total hip replacement. I am just sharing with you, that I do indeed understand what you are going thru.
I would go with what the vets say is expected and listen to people who did this procedure within a time frame more up to date then when I had the experience
I am very sorry! And i wish you and your baby perfect results!!