Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery is a procedure used to relieve hip pain and improve mobility in dogs and cats affected by conditions such as hip dysplasia, severe arthritis, hip dislocation, and other hip joint injuries.
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we provide personalized surgical care for pets experiencing chronic hip pain or reduced mobility. By removing the damaged portion of the hip joint, FHO surgery can help improve comfort, restore function, and support a better quality of life.
Our goal is to help your pet return to everyday activities with less pain and greater mobility while providing clear communication and support throughout the recovery process.
Compassionate Surgical Care Backed by Experience
Hip conditions such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and hip luxation can significantly affect an animal's comfort and mobility. Dr. Duane Robinson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with extensive experience treating orthopedic conditions and helping pets regain function through individualized surgical care.
FHO surgery is a well-established procedure that can provide meaningful pain relief for carefully selected patients. Our team utilizes modern surgical techniques and evidence-based treatment recommendations to help maximize comfort, mobility, and long-term outcomes following surgery.
Not every pet with hip pain requires the same treatment approach. We consider your dog or cat's size, age, activity level, medical history, and orthopedic condition before recommending surgery. Our goal is to determine the treatment option that will provide the greatest benefit for your pet's individual needs.
Recovery and rehabilitation are important components of successful FHO surgery. We provide detailed post-operative instructions, activity recommendations, and ongoing support throughout the healing process. Our team works closely with both pet owners and referring veterinarians to help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome for every patient.
FHO surgery costs depend on your pet’s size, health, the tests needed, and recovery care. We will provide you with a clear estimate and discuss all recommended care before the surgery. At Boreal Animal Surgery, providing specialized care at affordable pricing is our ultimate goal.
FHO surgery is commonly performed for hip dysplasia, severe arthritis, hip luxation, certain fractures, and chronic hip pain that has not responded to other treatments.
The procedure removes the damaged portion of the hip joint, eliminating painful bone-on-bone contact. During healing, fibrous tissue develops to create a functional false joint.
While FHO surgery is often associated with smaller dogs and cats, many medium and large dogs can also experience excellent outcomes. Rehabilitation becomes increasingly important as patient size increases.
Most pets require several months for full recovery, although improvement is often seen much earlier in the healing process. Unlike other orthopedic surgeries, controlled, targeted activity and exercises are encourage immediately following surgery to maximize long-term outcomes.
Rehabilitation is highly recommended, especially for larger dogs. Physical rehabilitation and guided exercises can help improve strength, mobility, and long-term outcomes.
No. Instead of a traditional ball-and-socket joint, healing results in the formation of fibrous tissue that creates a functional false joint, allowing comfortable movement without the pain caused by the diseased joint. Because there is no longer a ball-and-socket joint, your pet will have a “mechanical lameness” in the operated leg but be pain free.