Hi I wonder if you went ahead and had this done? You need to be sure of one particular thing. Is it a full THR they are talking about or a arthoplasty? Both very extensive procedures - one is "total" the other is a partial total hip replacement. Majority of dogs for their lifetime - arthroplasty will do. Where I come from, there is a large percentage of dogs that the Orthopaedic Consultant Vet will not do. They are seen, x-rayed and throughly examined - maybe 1 out of 10 will be suitable. The rest come back to their ordinary vets to carry out the arthroplasty if deemed able to do it. Orthopaedic Surgery is very invasive. With a person you can "attempt" to explain to them about the procedure. With an animal you cant. Of course you must be guided by your own vet. It must be heart breaking for you in an animal of such young age. Before you decided I would seek a second opinion with a Specialist Orthopaedic Vet. A picky eater is a nightmare at times - I have one too. She would rather not eat than eat something she didnt like. Thank heavens she is fit and healthy. Our older girl has HD. I opted to cope with her joint problems with diet, restricted exercise etc. I decided that should it ever come to the point that surgery is a must, we would reconsider it then. Your dog will let you know when she has had enough exercise. Instead of taking her out for a long walk she gets taken out 3-4 times a day for a shorter walk. Instead of letting her run free for 30-40 mins, she will do so for 5-10 mins. Obviously as she gets older she does not need so much stimulus. As for supplements we have found ROYAL JELLY to be very helpful. It does ease any pain they have, improves mobility and gives their general well being a boost. I ran out of it a few weeks ago and within 24 hours both the dog and my elderly mother were in pain and quite immobile. I give it to them in capsule form - you should be able to get it at any good health shop or herbalists. My dog was diagnosed at 18 months with HD. Today she is nearly 7 years and doing very well. I do know of folk who have had the arthroplasty done to their dog. They had both hips done. Good luck with whatever decision you come to. Angel