Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)

A Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure used to relieve chronic hip pain in pets when the hip joint is no longer functioning comfortably. It is most commonly recommended for pets with severe hip injury or disease where restoring a normal joint is not possible or practical.

Why an FHO Is Recommended
 An FHO may be recommended for conditions such as:
  • Severe hip dysplasia
  • Hip fractures involving the femoral head or neck
  • Traumatic hip injuries
  • Chronic hip pain that has not responded to medical management
  • Complications from previous hip surgeries
The goal of an FHO is pain relief, not restoration of a normal hip joint.

What the Surgery Involves

During a femoral head osteotomy:

  • Your pet is placed under general anesthesia
  • The damaged femoral head and neck (the “ball” portion of the hip joint) are surgically removed
  • This eliminates painful bone-on-bone contact
  • Over time, the body forms a false joint (fibrous joint) that allows comfortable movement

Although the hip no longer functions as a true ball-and-socket joint, most pets experience significant improvement in comfort and quality of life.

Aftercare and Going Home
 Most pets are able to go home same day, or within 24–48 hours following surgery, depending on comfort and recovery. Your pet will be sent home with:
  • Pain medications to keep them comfortable
  • Antibiotic medication to prevent infection
  • Instructions for incision care and restricted activity
  • Guidance on monitoring for signs of infection or complications

Urgent care fills the gap Incision and Suture Care
  • Sutures or staples are typically removed in 12–14 days
  • Keep the incision clean and dry
  • Do not allow licking or chewing at the incision site
  • Your pet must wear an E-collar (cone) at all times when not directly supervised
 Triage & Registration

Activity Restriction and Rehabilitation
 Controlled activity and rehabilitation are critical to a successful outcome.
  • Strict rest is required initially, with leash-only bathroom breaks
  • Gradual, controlled exercise is introduced as healing progresses
  • Physical rehabilitation and at-home exercises help strengthen surrounding muscles and improve limb function
  • Chronic hip pain that has not responded to medical management
  • Complications from previous hip surgeries
Pets that participate in guided rehabilitation often recover faster and regain better use of the limb.

What to Expect During Recovery

Proper home care is critical to successful healing:

  • Limping is normal early in recovery
  • Improvement is gradual over several weeks
  • Smaller pets often regain excellent function
  • Larger pets can still do well, especially with consistent rehabilitation and weight management

When to Contact Us or Your GP

Contact a veterinarian right away if you notice:

  • Increased swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision
  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
  • The incision opening or sutures coming loose

Our Goal

The goal of a femoral head osteotomy is to eliminate pain and restore comfortable mobility, allowing your pet to return to daily activities with improved quality of life. If you have questions about whether an FHO is right for your pet or about recovery expectations, please reach out, we’re here to support you every step of the way.