In 2008, Professor John Innes of the University of Liverpool outlined a plan to set up a Canine Total Hip Replacement Registry in the UK. BVOA endorses and has sponsored the project, and the University of Liverpool is hosting the database and website.

The purpose of the registry is to collect data at a central database from each and every Total Hip Replacement that is implanted in the UK - i.e. dog signalment and type of hip replacement implanted. Follow-up data can be provided in the future if a dog’s hip replacement suffers complications. The purpose is to be able to compare hip replacements in dogs - i.e. to analyze outcomes data. It is anticipated that such outcomes data will be formatted and presented as an annual report to BVOA, and as peer-reviewed publications when appropriate.

The use of such registries for Total Hip Replacement in people is relatively commonplace. Please be assured that the purpose of this registry is not to compare the outcomes from, or complication rates associated with individual surgeons or particular centres; such analysis will never be performed.

So if you or your clinic are involved in performing Total Hip Replacements in dogs in the UK then please register, we encourage you to become part of the exercise and submit your Total Hip Replacement records. In the first instance and to register, please email John Innes directly.