🦴 Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy in Dogs: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Pain-Free Mobility 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🧠 What Is a Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHNO)?

Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHNO) is a surgical procedure in which the ball of the hip joint—the head and neck of the femur—is removed entirely. The goal? Eliminate pain and restore comfortable, functional movement by allowing a false joint to form in its place 💪.

This surgery is most often recommended when a dog's natural hip joint is severely damaged and no longer functional or comfortable 🐾.

🩺 When Is FHNO Recommended?

FHNO may be suggested in cases such as:

• 🦴 Hip dislocation (luxation)
• 🦠 Severe hip arthritis or degeneration
• 🔨 Femoral head or neck fracture
• 🧬 Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (juvenile hip disease)

It’s commonly used when hip replacement is not practical due to cost, size of the patient, or severity of the condition. FHNO is an affordable, effective solution for many dogs—especially small and medium breeds ✅.

🔍 How Does It Work?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The femur (thigh bone) fits into a socket in the pelvis. During FHNO, the ball portion is surgically removed, leaving an empty socket. Over time, your dog's body forms a fibrous false joint—a cushion of scar-like tissue that allows comfortable, pain-free leg movement 🎯.

The new joint isn’t anatomically perfect, but it works well—especially for smaller, active dogs. Most patients return to nearly normal activity levels post-recovery 🐕💨.

🏋️ Ideal Candidates for FHNO

Best outcomes are seen in:

• ⚖️ Dogs under 45 lbs (20 kg)
• 💪 Very active dogs with strong rear leg muscles
• 🐾 Dogs with good use of their opposite hind leg

Larger dogs may still benefit if they are athletic and their other limbs are strong. But outcomes in heavier or less active dogs may be more variable and require physical rehabilitation for best results 🔁.

🩻 The FHNO Surgical Procedure

FHNO is performed under general anesthesia. The head and neck of the femur are removed using precision surgical tools. The remaining leg is positioned back into place where muscles will later support it 💉.

Your dog will usually stay in the hospital 1–2 nights for pain management and monitoring. They will go home once they can walk comfortably on three legs and are eating normally 🛏️.

📅 What to Expect: Recovery Timeline

✅ First Two Weeks

• 🔁 Focus on pain control and limited activity
• 🛏️ Keep your dog in one room or a small area indoors
• 🚶 Leash-only bathroom breaks
• 🔥 Apply warm compresses to the hip 2–6 times daily (10–20 minutes)
• 🦵 Start passive range of motion (PROM) exercises if tolerated

By the end of week one, your dog’s surgical leg should start to “toe-touch.” This is a sign healing is on track 🎉.

🏃 Weeks 3–6

• 🔄 Gradually increase activity to rebuild muscle
• 🚶 Walks on an incline (hills, stairs) to strengthen the hip
• 🌊 Water walking (hydrotherapy) is excellent for recovery
• 🎯 Encourage movement with gentle "dancing" exercises

Activity is critical. Too little movement leads to a tight, stiff false joint. Proper rehab ensures your dog regains mobility and full range of motion 💪.

🧠 Why the False Joint Works

Although the ball-and-socket is removed, the muscles surrounding the hip hold the femur in place. Scar tissue and connective fibers form a pseudo-joint that doesn’t produce joint fluid or cartilage—but allows functional movement with minimal or no pain ✅.

This natural adaptation is what makes FHNO such a successful surgery for the right patients.

🛑 What Can Delay Healing?

• ⚖️ Overweight or obese dogs
• 🐾 Coexisting arthritis in other limbs
• 🛏️ Prolonged inactivity or poor post-op rehab
• 🧬 Previous muscle atrophy or injury before surgery

For these dogs, physical therapy with a rehabilitation specialist can dramatically improve strength, balance, and comfort 🧠.

📦 Supplies & Tips for Recovery at Home

• 🛏️ Soft bedding in a quiet room
• ⛑️ E-collar to prevent licking or chewing at the incision
• 🧊 Ice or warm packs as instructed
• 🦮 Non-slip rugs for traction
• 🍖 Gentle treats and low-impact brain games for enrichment

📲 Ask A Vet for Post-Surgical Help

Have questions about FHNO recovery or your dog’s pain management plan? Reach out now at AskAVet.com.

• 📋 Get home rehab protocols
• 💬 Ask about PROM exercises and when to start
• 💊 Review your dog’s medications and progress

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to chat with Dr Duncan Houston and other licensed veterinarians for round-the-clock support 🐶💚.

💚 Final Thoughts

Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy is a powerful tool for eliminating hip pain and giving your dog a second chance at a mobile, happy life. With proper surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up, most dogs return to near-normal activity in just a few months 🎾.

If your dog has hip arthritis, dislocation, or fracture, ask your vet if FHNO is right for them. Or visit AskAVet.com to learn more and get a second opinion today 🐾.