Hip Surgery: Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
An FHO, or femoral head ostectomy, is a surgical procedure that can be performed on both dogs and cats of almost any age. The FHO aims to restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone) in order to eliminate the bone-on-bone contact of the hip. Scar tissue forms a “false joint” that eliminates the bone on bone contact associated with severe arthritis.
Your pet’s hip joint functions are similar to a ball and socket. The ball (the head of the femur) is located at the top of the long thigh bone (femur). It rests inside the hip bone’s acetabulum (which forms the socket part of the joint.
In healthy pets, the ball and socket joint work together so your pet can play and run pain-free, with hips moving easily in all directions.
When injury or disease breaks down or disrupt your pet’s normal anatomy, this can lead to abnormal joint function. The result can be painful for your dog or cat, who may be experiencing rubbing and grinding between the ball and socket, leading to chronic pain.
To correct the condition, your pet may need FHO (femoral head ostectomy) orthopedic surgery.
When Should FHO Surgery Be Considered?
FHO surgery should be considered to alleviate pain and lameness associated with diseased or injured hip joints that cannot be alleviated by pain medication, weight loss, non-surgical and/or other surgical procedures such as:
- Hip problems in dogs resulting from genetics, old age or injury, including hip displaysia
- Fractures of the bones comprising the hip
- Hip luxation
- Osteoarthritis
- Complications of total hip replacement
- Legg-Perthes disease
What are the Signs of Hip Pain in My Dog?
There are a few signs that your dog may be suffering from hip pain, including:
- “Bunny hopping”
- Limping when walking
- Stiffness in joints
- Decreased tolerance or motivation to exercise or play
What are the Signs of Hip Pain in My Cat?
Your cat may be suffering from a hip problem if he or she shows one or more of the following symptoms:
- Muscle loss around their back limbs
- Increased stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Irritability
- Difficulty jumping
- Limping when walking
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a common problem diagnosed in mainly large breed dogs. It is a developmental disorder that starts with increased laxity in the hip joints which leads to abnormal articulation and wear of the joint surfaces. This leads to the formation of arthritis as the dog ages which can cause it to be painful and difficult for the dog to rise, run, jump, and play like they did before.
What is Legg-Perthes Disease?
Legg-Perthes disease is another condition that can affect dogs’ hips. Characterized by a lack of blood flow to the top of the femur, it can cause the spontaneous degeneration of the head of the femur, leading the hip to collapse and arthritis to take hold.
What to Expect Before, During and After FHO Surgery?
Before Surgery
Before surgery, we will conduct a thorough examination of your pet, including X-rays and blood work, to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours and requires general anesthesia. We will then discuss with you the grade of patella luxation your pet is experiencing, an explanation of the treatment options available to your pet, including surgery, and answer any questions you may have regarding your pet’s diagnosis. At the initial consultation, our staff will provide an estimate for you for pre-operation, the procedure, and postoperative care.
During Surgery
At Howell Animal Hospital and Surgical Center, your pet’s surgery is performed in our new, sterile surgical suites equipped with the latest monitoring and surgical equipment. We will monitor your pet during surgery and recovery and will make sure your pet is as comfortable and pain free throughout the procedure.
After Surgery
Your pet will be monitored by our veterinarians and will receive necessary antibiotics and pain medication. Additionally, patients are offered a meal when they are alert and will be walked as soon as possible for elimination. Our staff is available for you to call for updates on your pet any time during their stay with us.
Pain Management
The surgery fee includes all the medications (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and pain) your pet needs to come home and be comfortable during their recovery.
Recovery
After your dog returns home, he or she will need to be confined to a small rest area for two weeks with limited walks only while on a leash. For two to six weeks, we recommend all patients go on short walks only while on a leash and continue confinement indoors when unattended. These types of measures at home will ensure a successful and speedy recovery.
Follow-up
Post-surgical appointments to check on the status of your pet are recommended. Post-op follow-up appointments include bandage removal at three to five days, suture removal at two weeks, and post-op X-rays.
Choosing the Right Veterinarian for FHO Surgery
FHO surgery is a complex procedure that requires a skilled and experienced veterinarian. At our clinic, our veterinary team has extensive experience in orthopedic surgeries, including FHO. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure a successful outcome for your furry friend.
If you believe your dog may be experiencing hip pain, please contact our hospital to schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians. We are committed to providing the highest quality care for your pet and helping them live a happy, healthy, and pain-free life.