Vet‑Approved 2025 Guide: FHO Surgery in Dogs & Cats – Pain Relief, Recovery & Care Tips 💉🐶🐱

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a salvage orthopedic surgery that removes the femoral head—the “ball” of the hip joint—to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact. This procedure creates a “false joint” supported by muscles and scar tissue, offering dogs and cats improved mobility and relief from chronic hip pain. As Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc, I walk you through the why, how, and what to expect for recovery in 2025—enhanced with supportive tools like Ask A Vet, to bolster comfort and healing. 🐾✨

🔍 Why Perform FHO Surgery?

This procedure is typically recommended for:

• Hip dysplasia with severe arthritis, causing chronic pain.
• Fractures of the femoral head are unable to be repaired.
• Hip luxation or dislocation that cannot be repositioned.
• Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, a rare degenerative hip condition in small breeds.
• Severe arthritic degeneration is untreatable by conservative care.

⚙️ What Happens during FHO Surgery?

• Your pet will receive general anesthesia, with IV catheter placement and vital monitoring.
• The surgeon removes the femoral head and part of the femur to eliminate bone friction.
• Muscles and scar tissue form the new false joint that cushions movement over time.
• This surgery is typically chosen for dogs under 45–50 lb and for cats, as large dogs may not fare as well physically.

💰 Cost of FHO Surgery

In 2025, FHO procedures generally range from $1,200–$2,500, depending on location, diagnostics, anesthetic support, and follow‑up care.

📊 Expected Outcomes & Prognosis

• ~63% of dogs achieve good to excellent mobility post-op.
• Smaller dogs and cats tend to recover faster with better outcomes.
• Some limb shortening or a slight limp may persist but is often asymptomatic.

🩹 Recovery Plan & Timeline

Phase 1: Immediate (Days 1–7)

• Pain is managed with NSAIDs and/or opioids.
• Strict rest: confined space or crate, no jumping or running.
• Short leash walks allowed for bathroom breaks only.

Phase 2: Intermediate (Weeks 2–4)

• Begin passive range‑of‑motion exercises to maintain mobility.
• Controlled leash walks gradually increase—avoid high-impact movement.

Phase 3: Reintegration (Weeks 4–8+)

• Introduce low-impact muscle-building activities like gentle trotting, balance exercises, or hydrotherapy if available.
• Transition to regular walking routines—as long as the vet approves.

⚠️ Watch for These Red Flags

• Excessive swelling, heat, and pain around the hip
• Limping beyond a gradual improvement over 4–6 weeks
• Fever, lethargy, or digestive upset
• Loss of appetite or unusual behavior

🛠️ Tools to Support Healing

• Ask A Vet: Use remote consultation for gentle rehab guides and to share incision photos anytime.

📞 When to Call Your Vet Immediately

• No improvement, stumbles, or worsening limp by Week 2
• Infection signs: redness, discharge, or fever
• Pain despite medication
• Behavior or eating changes that seem out of the ordinary

🏁 Final Thoughts

FHO surgery is a life-changing solution for pets with debilitating hip pain from dysplasia, fractures, or degenerative conditions. While it may not restore a normal hip, many dogs and cats regain mobility and a pain-free life after recovery. With careful step-by-step rehab, supportive tools like Ask A Vet, and attentive care, your pet can thrive after FHO surgery. As always, consult your veterinary team to tailor a recovery plan suited to your pet’s age, size, and lifestyle. 🐶🐱❤️