What is an FHO for Dogs?
If your dog has hip problems, your vet may have mentioned an FHO or femoral head ostectomy. An FHO is a surgery designed to help dogs regain pain-free movement if they have a diseased or damaged hip.
The primary goal of an FHO is to eliminate bone-on-bone contact in the hip joint. This procedure can address a variety of conditions.
Recovery after an FHO takes around 6 weeks and requires careful pain management and activity restriction. Here’s what you need to know about the procedure and caring for your dog afterward.
What is FHO Surgery and How Does it Work?
FHO stands for femoral head ostectomy. In this surgery, the veterinary surgeon removes the femoral head, the “ball” part of the ball-and-socket hip joint.
FHO surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility in small dogs who have certain hip conditions.
Creating a “False Joint”
Removing the femoral head essentially creates a “false joint” because it’s no longer a true ball-and-socket joint.
As your dog recovers, the surrounding muscles will support the new joint. Keeping your dog moving during this time will help the scar tissue within the false joint from becoming too tight, which will allow your dog to remain flexible.
Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for FHO?
FHO isn’t right for every dog. Here are some things to think about.
Weight Considerations
FHO procedures tend to be most successful in smaller dogs — generally those weighing less than 45 pounds. That’s because there’s less weight for the new “false joint” to bear.
There are exceptions, however. A dog slightly over 50 pounds could still be a good candidate for FHO if the vet believes the procedure is warranted.
Activity Level and Muscle Mass
Active dogs tend to bounce back from FHO surgery more quickly than less active dogs. That’s because strong muscles help to stabilize the joint after surgery.
Active dogs also tend to have better outcomes overall.
Why is FHO performed? Addressing hip conditions
Hip problems in dogs can stem from genetics, injuries, old age, or a combination of all three.
Many different hip issues can be treated with FHO, including fractures, luxation (dislocation), severe arthritis, and Legg-Perthes disease. Two common conditions veterinarians treat with FHO are canine hip dysplasia and Legg-Perthes disease.
Canine hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. The ball and socket don’t fit together properly, leading to instability, pain, and arthritis.
Legg-Perthes disease, on the other hand, affects mostly smaller dog breeds. It causes the top of the femur (the “ball” of the hip joint) to spontaneously degenerate, leading to pain and loss of function.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Before surgery, your vet will likely run blood work and perform a physical exam. The FHO surgery itself is performed while your dog is under general anesthesia, so they won’t feel a thing.
Afterward, your dog may need to stay at the hospital for a few hours, or potentially a few days, depending on their condition and how well they’re recovering from the anesthesia.
Post-Operative Care: A Detailed Guide to Recovery
After your dog has an FHO, careful post-operative care is essential for a smooth and successful recovery. Here’s what to expect:
Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-2)
- Pain Management: Your vet will prescribe pain medication, likely a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to keep your dog comfortable. Follow the dosage instructions exactly.
- Restricted Activity: Keep your dog’s activity level very low for the first few days after surgery. No running, jumping, or roughhousing! High-impact activities should be avoided for at least 30 days. This is crucial for proper healing.
- Wound Care: Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully for both pre- and post-operative wound care. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.
Phase 2: Gradual Rehabilitation (Weeks 3-6)
- Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises: If your dog tolerates it, begin gentle passive range-of-motion exercises. This involves gently moving your dog’s leg through its natural range of motion to prevent stiffness. Your veterinarian or a veterinary physical therapist can show you how to do these exercises correctly.
- Controlled Activity Increase: Gradually increase your dog’s activity level as they heal and rebuild muscle strength. Start with short, leashed walks and slowly increase the distance and duration.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Closely monitor your dog for any signs of pain or complications. If your dog seems to be in pain, is not recovering as expected, or if you notice any swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision site, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Potential Therapies and Aids
- Moist Heat or Laser Therapy: Talk to your vet about whether moist heat and/or laser therapy could help with pain management and healing.
- Mobility Aids: If your dog is struggling to get around, discuss the possibility of using mobility aids, such as a sling or harness, with your veterinarian.
What does FHO surgery cost?
The price of FHO surgery varies quite a bit. Your location, the animal hospital you choose, and the specifics of your dog’s surgery will all affect the total.
Talk to your veterinarian about the likely cost of FHO surgery before you schedule the procedure.
Signs of hip pain: When to see a vet
Hip pain can severely impact your dog’s quality of life, so it’s important to be vigilant. Here are some common signs:
- Stiffness
- “Bunny hopping” gait
- Limping
- Reduced interest in exercise
If you notice any of these, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing hip pain and improving your dog’s comfort.
In Summary
If your dog’s hip is diseased, damaged, or causing them pain, femoral head ostectomy (FHO) surgery may be able to restore their pain-free movement. The FHO procedure involves removing the head of the femur, allowing scar tissue to form a “false joint” that minimizes bone-on-bone contact.
To ensure the best possible outcome from FHO surgery, it’s essential that you carefully follow your veterinarian’s post-operative recovery plan. This will likely include restricting your dog’s activity and managing their pain.
Talk with your veterinarian to find out whether FHO surgery is the best treatment option for your dog.