Hip problems are common in dogs, stemming from genetics, injuries, or just old age. These issues can cause pain and limit their movement, seriously impacting their quality of life.
One surgical option to restore pain-free movement to a diseased or damaged hip is a femoral head ostectomy, or FHO. This procedure involves removing the head of the femur (the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint).
This article will provide an overview of FHO surgery, including when it’s recommended, the benefits, potential risks, and what to expect during aftercare.
Understanding FHO Surgery and How It Works
If your dog needs hip surgery, you may have heard of a procedure called FHO. Here’s what you should know.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur (the long thigh bone), and the “socket” is called the acetabulum.
What is FHO?
FHO stands for femoral head ostectomy. An ostectomy is the surgical removal of bone.
How FHO Changes the Hip
In FHO surgery, the surgeon removes the head of the femur. That eliminates the bone-on-bone contact inside the hip joint.
Over time, scar tissue develops in the space where the femoral head used to be, forming a “false joint.” This new cushioning of tissue is what reduces the sensation of pain when your dog moves.
When is FHO surgery recommended?
FHO surgery can be a good option for dogs experiencing pain and mobility issues due to the following conditions:
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia is a common condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop normally. FHO surgery can alleviate pain by removing the source: the improperly formed joint itself.
Fractures of the Femoral Head
Sometimes trauma can lead to fractures in the head of the femur, the “ball” part of the hip’s ball-and-socket joint. If the fracture is severe or complex, FHO surgery may be recommended.
Severe Arthritis or Joint Degeneration
Arthritis and joint degeneration can lead to pain and stiffness in the hip. FHO surgery can provide relief by eliminating the bone-on-bone contact that causes pain in arthritic joints.
Legg-Perthes Disease
Legg-Perthes disease affects the femoral head, causing avascular necrosis, or bone death due to lack of blood supply. FHO surgery removes the diseased femoral head.
Who is a good candidate for FHO surgery?
FHO surgery is typically recommended for smaller dogs and cats, generally those weighing less than 45 pounds. While larger dogs can be candidates, it’s less common and depends on specific circumstances. Dogs under 50 pounds often have better outcomes.
A dog’s activity level also plays a big role in recovery. Active dogs tend to bounce back faster because they have more muscle mass to support the joint after surgery. In general, active dogs tend to achieve better results with FHO than less active dogs.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if FHO is right for your pet is to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your pet’s individual needs and condition.
What are the benefits of FHO surgery?
FHO offers several advantages, particularly for smaller animals.
- Pain relief. FHO eliminates painful bone-on-bone contact in the hip. “The primary goal of an FHO is to remove bone-on-bone contact, restoring pain-free mobility,” according to experts.
- Improved mobility. By alleviating the source of pain, FHO can restore a good range of motion in a diseased or damaged hip.
- No implants needed. Unlike hip replacement, FHO doesn’t require any artificial implants.
- Accessibility. FHO is often more affordable and easier to access than a total hip replacement, making it a viable option when cost is a concern.
What are the risks of an FHO?
As with any surgery, there are always risks involved. These include the risks associated with general anesthesia, as well as the possibility of infection. Longer-term complications can include a reduced range of motion in the hip and even some limb length discrepancy.
The good news is that these complications don’t usually reduce a pet’s quality of life.
However, if your dog has other underlying health problems, your vet may not recommend an FHO.
What to Expect After FHO Surgery: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from an FHO takes time and patience. Here’s what you can expect:
Pain Management
Keeping your dog comfortable after surgery is critical. Give all medications as prescribed by your vet, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain. You can also apply moist heat to the area for comfort.
Restricted Activity
Your dog will need to be confined and have their activity severely restricted at first. Think crate rest! After FHO surgery, activity restrictions are necessary for at least a month. That means no running, jumping, or roughhousing.
After about a week, you can start gradually increasing physical activity to rebuild muscle and strengthen the hip joint. Even then, avoid rough play or any sudden twists and turns for the first 30 days.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a key part of recovery. You can gently attempt passive range-of-motion exercises, but be very careful not to cause your dog any pain. Keeping your dog mobile will help keep the scar tissue within the false joint from forming too tightly, allowing your dog to remain flexible.
If you don’t see improvement after about six weeks, talk to your vet about a more formal rehabilitation or physical therapy program.
Weight Management
Weight management is also important for recovery. Excess weight puts more stress on the joint, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help them heal and stay comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of FHO surgery?
While FHO surgery can be a life-saver, it’s not without its downsides. Potential disadvantages include a reduced range of motion in the affected leg, some loss of strength, and the possibility of a noticeable limp, especially after strenuous activity. The formation of scar tissue within the joint can also sometimes limit mobility.
How successful is FHO surgery in dogs?
FHO surgery boasts a high success rate, particularly in smaller dogs (under 50 pounds) and cats. Most animals experience significant pain relief and improved mobility following the procedure. However, the level of success can vary depending on factors like the animal’s size, age, activity level, and commitment to post-operative rehabilitation.
What is an FHO surgery, exactly?
FHO stands for Femoral Head Ostectomy. Essentially, it’s a surgical procedure where the “ball” of the hip joint (the femoral head) is removed. This eliminates the painful bone-on-bone contact within the joint. The body then creates a “false joint” composed of scar tissue, allowing for relatively pain-free movement, although with potentially altered biomechanics.
To Conclude
FHO surgery can relieve pain and improve mobility for dogs with certain hip problems. Success depends on choosing the right patient and providing excellent post-operative care.
If you think your dog might benefit from FHO surgery, the best next step is to talk with your veterinarian. They can examine your dog and recommend the best course of action. Remember, this article isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice.