What Is the Coronoid Process in a Dog’s Elbow?

The coronoid process is a small piece of bone inside the elbow joint of a dog.

It may be small, but unfortunately it sits in an area that can receive excessive pressure when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together perfectly.

Problems with the coronoid process are one of the conditions we see as part of elbow dysplasia.

Why Does the Coronoid Process Get Damaged?

A healthy elbow is designed so that the bones fit together smoothly and share the dog’s weight evenly.

If the elbow doesn’t develop with a perfect fit, too much pressure can be concentrated on the coronoid process.

Think of a table with one leg slightly shorter than the others. Instead of the weight being shared evenly, the table rocks and certain points repeatedly take more pressure.

Something similar can happen inside an abnormal elbow.

Genetics, abnormal growth and nutritional factors during development can all contribute to problems with the way the elbow develops.

What Happens to the Coronoid Process?

Repeated excessive pressure can damage this small piece of bone.

The damage can range from:

  • Small cracks within the bone.
  • Damage to the cartilage covering it.
  • A partial fracture.
  • A fragment of bone breaking away inside the joint.

This can cause inflammation and pain within the elbow.

Over time, continued abnormal pressure and movement can also damage the rest of the joint and lead to arthritis.

What Are the Signs?

Dogs with coronoid disease commonly develop front leg lameness.

The limp may initially be quite subtle and only appear after exercise. Other dogs can be considerably more painful, particularly when a fragment has broken away.

During an orthopaedic consultation, we can usually determine whether the elbow is the source of the pain.

We will often then recommend X-rays to investigate the joint further.

Is Coronoid Disease Part of Elbow Dysplasia?

Yes.

Fragmented coronoid process is one of the conditions included under the term elbow dysplasia.

Elbow dysplasia simply describes a group of developmental problems where the elbow has not formed or fitted together normally.

Treatment depends on exactly what is happening inside the joint.

Some dogs can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and appropriate exercise management. In other dogs, particularly where there is a painful loose or damaged fragment, further investigation and surgical treatment may be recommended.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, elbow problems are a common cause of persistent front leg lameness that we investigate.

The first step is a good orthopaedic examination to determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow and whether further imaging is needed.

If your dog has persistent or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Elbow Problems in Dogs: A Common Cause of Front Leg Limping

After paw injuries, the elbow is one of the most common areas we find causing front leg pain in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital.

Elbow problems can range from mild soreness after exercise to severe pain where a dog may barely want to use the leg.

One of the most common conditions we see is elbow dysplasia.

What Is Elbow Dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is a fancy term that essentially means the different parts of the elbow joint have not developed with a perfect fit.

When a joint doesn’t fit together properly, pressure is distributed unevenly across its surface.

In mild cases, this may simply cause some soreness after exercise.

In more severe cases, a small piece of bone or cartilage can become damaged or break away inside the joint. This can be extremely painful and can quickly lead to further damage and arthritis.

How Do We Know if the Elbow Is Sore?

During a consultation, we can usually determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow.

We watch your dog walk, examine the entire leg and compare it with the opposite side before carefully examining the painful joint.

If the elbow appears to be the problem, we will often recommend X-rays.

X-rays help us understand what is happening inside the joint and, importantly, what type of elbow problem we are dealing with.

Does Elbow Dysplasia Need Surgery?

Most elbow problems do not require or benefit from surgery.

Treatment can be as simple as:

  • Rest and controlled exercise.
  • A short course of anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Weight management where appropriate.
  • Longer-term management of arthritis if it has developed.

However, there are some elbow problems where surgery may be recommended.

For example, if a piece of bone has broken or become loose inside the joint, removing that fragment may be necessary.

When surgery is indicated, we generally want to deal with the problem as early as possible to reduce ongoing damage to the joint.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

If your dog is repeatedly limping on a front leg, particularly after exercise, the elbow may be the source of the pain.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we regularly investigate front leg lameness and elbow problems in dogs.

A good hands-on examination can usually tell us whether the elbow is painful, with X-rays used when we need to understand exactly what is happening inside the joint.

📞 If your dog has ongoing or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Paw Problems in Dogs: A Common Cause of Limping

Paw problems are one of the most common causes of limping we see at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside.

Living close to the beach and local parks means our dogs spend plenty of time running on sand, grass and walking tracks—and occasionally stepping on things they shouldn’t.

Cuts and Paw Injuries

Cuts to the paw are very common around Bayside.

We regularly see injuries caused by:

  • Sharp shells and rocks at the beach.
  • Pieces of broken glass.
  • Small shards of metal.
  • Torn or broken nails.

Even a small cut can be painful because dogs are putting their full body weight through their paws with every step.

Grass Seeds

Grass seeds are another common problem, particularly during the warmer months.

They can become lodged between the toes and work their way underneath the skin, causing pain, swelling and sometimes infection.

A dog that suddenly starts licking between its toes or limping after a walk may have a grass seed.

Bites and Stings

Dogs occasionally step on bees or other insects while walking through grass.

This can cause sudden pain and swelling of the paw and may cause your dog to suddenly start limping during a walk.

We also see bite wounds to the feet from time to time.

Broken Bones

Although less common, dogs can also fracture the small bones of the toes or paw.

These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling and reluctance to put weight on the leg. X-rays may be needed to identify the fracture.

Nail Bed Problems

Most nail injuries are simple broken or damaged nails.

Very occasionally, however, a persistent problem affecting a single nail or toe can be caused by cancer of the nail bed.

A nail that repeatedly breaks, bleeds, becomes swollen or doesn’t heal should always be investigated.

Is Your Dog Limping or Licking Its Paw?

If your dog suddenly starts limping, checking the paw is a good place to start.

Look between the toes, underneath the paw and around each nail for cuts, swelling or anything that may have become lodged in the foot.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, paw injuries are something we see every week, particularly in dogs enjoying our local beaches and parks.

📞 If your dog is limping, licking its paw or has a paw injury that isn’t improving, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for an assessment.

Why Is My Dog Limping? How Much Does It Cost to Find Out?

If your dog is limping, you may be wondering what is wrong—and how much it will cost to find out.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, the first step is usually a $105 consultation.

In many cases, a good orthopaedic examination is all we need to identify where the pain is coming from and give you a likely diagnosis.

First, We Watch Your Dog Walk

Before even touching the painful leg, I will often take your dog outside and watch them walk along the street.

Sometimes a limp is very obvious. Other times it can be extremely subtle and only becomes noticeable after the dog has walked for a few minutes.

Watching your dog move naturally helps me identify which leg is affected and how they are using it.

Then We Examine the Whole Body

Next, we look at your dog standing naturally.

We look for asymmetry between the two sides of the body. Is one leg carrying less weight? Is there less muscle on one side? Is the dog standing differently or shifting its weight away from a painful area?

These small clues help us start building a picture of where the problem may be.

We Examine the Normal Legs First

Before examining the painful leg, I will usually examine the normal legs first.

This gives us something to compare against and also allows your dog to become comfortable with the examination before we approach the painful area.

We feel the muscles, bones and joints and check how each joint moves.

Finally, We Examine the Problem Leg

Once we have watched your dog walk, looked for asymmetry and examined the normal legs, we examine the affected leg.

By this stage, we have already started building a case for where the pain is likely to be coming from.

We then work systematically through the problem leg, looking for pain, swelling, instability or abnormal movement.

For many common problems, such as a cruciate ligament injury or luxating patella, this examination can give us a very good idea of what is wrong.

Sometimes, however, we need X-rays to get the complete answer.

When Do We Need X-Rays?

Dogs and cats can’t tell us exactly where or why something hurts, so sometimes we need imaging to confirm what we suspect from the examination.

If we suspect a broken bone, we may only need to X-ray the affected leg.

For other conditions, we may need X-rays of both legs. This is particularly useful when we suspect an alignment or developmental problem, as the opposite leg gives us an important comparison.

We may also X-ray both sides when we suspect a condition that can affect both legs, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

Why Does My Pet Need Sedation for X-Rays?

Getting a useful X-ray isn’t simply about taking a picture.

The bones and joints need to be positioned accurately. This can involve extending, rotating or holding a painful leg in positions that an awake animal may find uncomfortable.

Sedation keeps your pet comfortable and allows us to obtain accurate, good-quality X-rays without unnecessary pain or stress.

So, How Much Will It Cost?

For many pets, finding the cause starts with the $105 consultation.

If the examination gives us the answer, we can then discuss treatment and what to do next.

If X-rays are needed, we will explain what needs to be X-rayed and why before proceeding, along with the additional cost.

Our aim isn’t to perform every test available. It is to build the case step by step and only perform the tests we need to get an answer.

Is Your Dog Limping?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we regularly investigate lameness in dogs and cats from Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Black Rock and surrounding Bayside suburbs.

Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes the signs are very subtle.

Either way, our approach is the same: watch them move, look at the whole body, compare the normal legs and then carefully examine the painful leg.

📞 Book a consultation at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to find out why your pet is limping.

Why Is My Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

Front leg limping is a common problem we see in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne.

The cause can be something simple, such as a sore paw or muscle strain, but ongoing limping can also be a sign of an elbow, shoulder or neck problem.

Paw Problems

Paw injuries are particularly common in active dogs around Bayside’s beaches and parks.

Common causes include:

  • Cuts from sharp shells or rocks at the beach.
  • Glass or other sharp objects.
  • Torn nails.
  • Insect bites or stings.
  • Grass seeds between the toes.

Even a small paw injury can cause a surprisingly significant limp.

Elbow Problems

The elbow is a common source of front leg pain.

Younger dogs, particularly larger breeds, can develop elbow dysplasia, while older dogs commonly develop arthritis.

Dogs with elbow pain may limp after exercise, appear stiff after resting or become reluctant to walk long distances.

Shoulder and Muscle Injuries

Running, jumping, slipping or playing can cause strains around the shoulder and front leg.

Minor strains may improve with rest, but a limp that doesn’t improve or keeps returning should be checked.

Neck Problems

Sometimes what looks like a front leg problem is actually coming from the neck.

Problems affecting the neck or nerves can cause pain, limping, weakness or difficulty moving the front leg normally.

When Should My Dog See a Vet?

A mild limp may settle with rest, but your dog should be examined if:

  • The limp doesn’t improve.
  • It keeps coming back.
  • Your dog won’t put weight on the leg.
  • Your dog appears painful.
  • Your dog is weak or dragging the foot.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we regularly investigate front leg lameness in dogs from Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Black Rock and surrounding Bayside suburbs.

Finding where the pain is coming from is the first step towards getting your dog comfortable again.

📞 If your dog is limping on a front leg, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Why Is My Dog Limping on a Back Leg?

Back leg limping is one of the most common problems we see in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne.

The cause can be something as simple as a sore paw or muscle strain, but ongoing limping can also be a sign of a knee, hip or lower back problem.

Paw Problems

Paw injuries are particularly common in active dogs around Bayside’s beaches and parks.

Common causes include:

  • Cuts from sharp shells or rocks at the beach.
  • Glass or other sharp objects.
  • Torn nails.
  • Insect bites or stings.
  • Grass seeds between the toes.

Even a small paw injury can cause a surprisingly significant limp.

Knee Problems

The knee is another very common source of back leg pain.

The two conditions we see most commonly are:

  • Cruciate ligament injuries – damage to the ligament that stabilises the knee.
  • Luxating patella – where the kneecap repeatedly slips out of position, often causing a skipping or hopping gait.

Both conditions can cause pain, limping and difficulty exercising.

Muscle Strains

Running, jumping, slipping or playing can cause muscle strains.

These are particularly common after unusually vigorous exercise.

Minor strains may improve with rest, but a limp that doesn’t improve or keeps returning should be checked.

Hip and Lower Back Problems

Sometimes the pain is coming from higher up the leg.

Hip dysplasia and hip arthritis can cause stiffness, difficulty getting up and reluctance to run or jump.

Lower back problems can also cause back leg pain, weakness or difficulty walking.

When Should My Dog See a Vet?

A mild limp may settle with rest, but your dog should be examined if:

  • The limp doesn’t improve.
  • It keeps coming back.
  • Your dog won’t put weight on the leg.
  • Your dog appears painful.
  • Your dog is weak or dragging the foot.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we regularly investigate back leg lameness in dogs from Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Black Rock and surrounding Bayside suburbs.

Finding where the pain is coming from is the first step towards getting your dog comfortable again.

📞 If your dog is limping on a back leg, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

What is a TPLO?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we frequently perform Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. TPLO is a highly effective surgical procedure that stabilizes the knee joint after a cruciate ligament rupture, allowing dogs to regain mobility and live pain-free.

Why TPLO Surgery Is Different from Human ACL Repairs

In humans, a similar injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is typically treated by replacing the ligament with a graft. However, ligament replacement does not work in dogs due to the unique size and shape of the canine knee joint. Instead, TPLO is a superior alternative that changes the way the joint functions without altering the natural movement of the leg.

How Does TPLO Surgery Work?

Unlike other surgical techniques, TPLO is the only procedure that can be customized to all dog breeds, leg shapes, and sizes. The surgery involves reshaping the tibial plateau (the top part of the shinbone) to modify the angle at which forces are applied to the knee joint. This adjustment stabilizes the joint without requiring the damaged ligament, helping to reduce pain and improve movement.

Which Dogs Benefit Most from TPLO?

TPLO surgery is particularly beneficial for:

  • Large-breed and active dogs prone to CCL injuries
  • Dogs experiencing chronic knee pain and lameness
  • Dogs with significant cruciate ligament tears that won’t heal with conservative management

Why Choose Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for TPLO Surgery?

If your dog is showing signs of a CCL injury, such as limping, stiffness, or difficulty standing, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinary team specializes in TPLO surgery and post-operative care to ensure the best recovery outcomes for your pet.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if TPLO surgery is the right option for your dog!

How Much Does TPLO Surgery Cost?

The cost of TPLO surgery in Melbourne can range from $3,000 to $8,000 AUD, but what’s included in that price varies greatly between clinics. Lower-cost options often do not include essential services such as blood tests, X-rays, rechecks, or post-operative medications, which can lead to unexpected additional costs.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we provide a fully inclusive TPLO surgery package for $4,000 AUD, ensuring your dog receives the highest standard of care with no hidden fees.

What’s Included in Our TPLO Surgery Package?

  • Hospitalization with an overnight stay on a painkiller drip – Pain management is crucial in the first 24 hours. Instead of managing discomfort at home, your pet will rest comfortably overnight, allowing them to go home the next day in a much better condition.
  • Preoperative blood tests – Checks vital organ function before anesthesia, ensuring your pet is fit for surgery.
  • Anesthesia with intravenous (IV) fluids – Provides safe, monitored anesthesia to maintain hydration and support circulation.
  • Surgical repair of the cruciate ligament – Performed by our expert veterinary surgeons using a stainless steel plate and screws for long-term stability.
  • Antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories while in hospital – Helps prevent infection and ensures effective pain relief post-surgery.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication to take home – Supports ongoing comfort and recovery.
  • Four postoperative check-ups with a veterinary nurse – Allows us to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Sedation and postoperative X-rays at 6 weeks – Confirms proper healing of the implant, ensuring long-term success.

Why Choose Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for TPLO Surgery?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we believe comprehensive post-surgical care is just as important as the surgery itself. Our all-inclusive approach ensures your dog receives everything they need for a smooth, comfortable recovery—without surprise costs.

If your dog is experiencing lameness, knee pain, or mobility issues, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced veterinary team is here to help your pet get back to a happy, active life.

Call Sandringham Veterinary Hospital today to book an appointment!

What Is the Meniscus and How Does It Cause Knee Pain in Dogs?

If your dog has torn its cruciate ligament or continues to limp despite treatment, the problem may not be the ligament itself—it could be the meniscus.

The meniscus is one of the most important structures inside the knee and one of the most common sources of ongoing pain following a cruciate ligament injury. At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we carefully examine the meniscus during every cruciate surgery because identifying and treating a torn meniscus is essential for a successful recovery.

So, what is the meniscus, how does it become damaged, and why does it cause so much pain?

What Is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a tough, rubbery pad of cartilage that sits between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) inside the knee (stifle joint).

Dogs have two menisci in each knee:

  • The medial meniscus – located on the inside of the knee.
  • The lateral meniscus – located on the outside of the knee.

The meniscus has several important functions:

  • Acts as a shock absorber.
  • Distributes weight evenly across the joint.
  • Helps stabilise the knee.
  • Protects the smooth cartilage covering the bones.

Without a healthy meniscus, the knee experiences increased wear and tear, leading to pain and arthritis.

How Does the Meniscus Tear?

The vast majority of meniscal tears occur after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture.

When the cruciate ligament tears, the knee becomes unstable. Instead of moving smoothly, the femur slides abnormally on the tibia every time your dog takes a step.

The meniscus becomes trapped between the two bones and is repeatedly crushed.

The medial meniscus is injured far more commonly because it is firmly attached to the tibia and cannot move out of the way.

Some tears occur at the time of the cruciate injury, while others develop days or weeks later as the unstable knee continues to damage the cartilage.

Why Does a Torn Meniscus Cause So Much Pain?

Imagine having a small pebble inside your shoe.

Every step reminds you it’s there.

You could wear the strongest, most supportive shoes available, but until the pebble is removed, every step remains painful.
A torn meniscus causes pain in much the same way.

  • Every time your dog bends the knee, the torn piece of cartilage becomes trapped between the bones.
  • This causes pain with every step.
  • The joint becomes inflamed and uncomfortable.
  • Even after TPLO surgery has stabilised the knee, the torn meniscus can continue causing pain if it is left untreated.

Why Doesn’t the Meniscus Heal on Its Own?

Unlike many other tissues in the body, most of the meniscus has a very poor blood supply.

Blood carries the oxygen and healing cells needed for damaged tissue to repair itself.

Because the inner part of the meniscus receives very little blood, most tears have little ability to heal naturally.

Instead, the damaged fragment continues to move within the joint, causing ongoing pain and irritation.

What Are the Signs of a Torn Meniscus?

Dogs with a torn meniscus commonly show:

  • Persistent limping after a cruciate ligament injury.
  • Sudden worsening after initially improving.
  • Difficulty getting up after resting.
  • Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs.
  • Pain when the knee is bent.
  • Occasionally, a clicking or popping sound from the knee.

If your dog develops these signs, a meniscal injury should be considered.

How Is a Torn Meniscus Diagnosed?

A thorough orthopaedic examination is the first step.

While X-rays are essential for assessing the bones and planning cruciate surgery, they cannot directly show a torn meniscus.

In many dogs, the diagnosis is confirmed during surgery when the meniscus can be carefully inspected.

Not every tear is obvious.

Some tears are large and easy to identify, while others are small, hidden or only visible after a meticulous examination.

This is why surgical experience is so important.

How Is a Torn Meniscus Treated?

The damaged portion of the meniscus is carefully removed while preserving as much healthy cartilage as possible.

This procedure is called a partial meniscectomy.

If a cruciate ligament rupture is also present, both problems are usually treated during the same surgery, often with a TPLO.

Once the painful torn fragment has been removed, many dogs become noticeably more comfortable within just a few days.

Why Experience Matters

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we know that missing a meniscal tear is one of the most common reasons dogs continue to limp after cruciate surgery.

That’s why we carefully inspect the entire meniscus during every cruciate procedure.

Our goal is not simply to stabilise the knee but to identify and treat every source of pain, giving your dog the best possible chance of a full recovery.

Is Your Dog Limping After a Cruciate Injury?

If your dog has a cruciate ligament injury, ongoing knee pain or persistent lameness after TPLO surgery, a torn meniscus may be the cause.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive orthopaedic assessment and advanced surgical treatment for cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries.

Call Sandringham Veterinary Hospital today to book an orthopaedic consultation and help your dog get back to a comfortable, active life.

How Long Does a FHO Surgery Take for Dogs?

How Long Does a FHO Surgery Take for Dogs?

A Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on factors like your dog’s size, muscle condition, and the severity of their hip issue. While the procedure itself is relatively quick, the total time at the clinic includes pre-surgical preparation, anesthesia, surgery, and recovery monitoring.

Breakdown of the FHO Surgery Timeline

1. Pre-Surgical Preparation (30–60 Minutes)

  • Your dog is placed under general anesthesia.
  • The surgical site is shaved and sterilized.
  • Vitals are monitored to ensure safe anesthesia levels.

2. The FHO Procedure (45–90 Minutes)z

  • The surgeon makes an incision over the hip joint.
  • The femoral head and neck are carefully removed.
  • The surrounding muscles are repositioned to support healing.
  • The incision is closed with sutures, and your dog is gently woken up from anesthesia.

3. Post-Surgical Recovery & Monitoring (2–4 Hours)

  • Your dog is monitored closely as they wake from anesthesia.
  • Pain relief and antibiotics are administered.
  • Once stable, your pet is transferred to recovery, where they rest before discharge.

When Can My Dog Come Home?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, dogs typically stay overnight for post-op monitoring and pain management. However, in some cases, smaller dogs or stable patients may go home the same day with strict recovery instructions.

If your dog is undergoing FHO surgery, our team will guide you through the process, expected timeline, and recovery care to ensure the best outcome. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.

How Much Does FHO Surgery Cost for Dogs?

How Much Does FHO Surgery Cost for Dogs

If your dog is experiencing hip pain from conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or fractures, Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery may provide significant relief. The cost of FHO surgery can vary across Melbourne, depending on factors like the complexity of the procedure and the clinic’s location.

In Melbourne, FHO surgery typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, with some clinics offering lower-cost options that may not include all essential services. At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we offer an all-inclusive package for $3,000 for dogs of all sizes, covering every aspect of the surgery and post-operative care to ensure your pet receives the best possible treatment.

What’s Included in the Cost of FHO Surgery at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital?

Our $3,000 FHO surgery package is all-inclusive, designed to provide comprehensive care for your pet throughout the procedure and recovery. Here’s what’s included:

  • Pre-surgical blood tests – To assess your dog’s organ function before anesthesia.
  • Anesthesia with intravenous fluids – Ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during surgery.
  • Surgical FHO – Advanced techniques tailored to your dog’s specific condition.
  • Hospitalization & pain management – Your dog will stay overnight, receiving 24-hour pain relief for a smoother recovery.
  • Post-operative antibiotics & anti-inflammatories – To prevent infection and reduce swelling.
  • Follow-up appointments with a nurse – At 3 days post-op and 14 days post-op to monitor healing and progress.

This all-inclusive package ensures that you won’t face hidden costs for essential services like pain management, hospitalization, or post-operative care, which are sometimes excluded in lower-cost options, potentially leading to additional charges.

What Affects the Cost of FHO Surgery?

Pet Size

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our $3,000 package applies to dogs of all sizes, from small pets to larger breeds, ensuring consistent, comprehensive care regardless of your dog’s weight.

Pre-Surgical Assessments

Before FHO surgery, your pet will undergo X-rays and blood tests to evaluate their condition. These assessments help ensure the procedure is appropriate and safe for your pet.

Clinic Location and Expertise

Pricing varies across Melbourne. Clinics in higher-cost-of-living areas or with specialized services may charge more. Our $3,000 price offers excellent value for FHO surgery, covering all required services.

Post-Surgical Care

After the procedure, your dog will need pain management, rehabilitation, and regular follow-up visits. These services are critical to ensure your dog’s full recovery and are included in our all-inclusive package.

Additional Costs to Consider

While our $3,000 fee covers the surgery and essential post-operative care, there may be extra costs associated with:

  • Rehabilitation: Post-surgery therapies like hydrotherapy or physiotherapy to assist in muscle recovery.
  • Follow-up Visits: Additional consultations may be required if complications arise or to monitor recovery.

Payment Plans and Insurance

We understand that the cost of surgery can be a concern, which is why Sandringham Veterinary Hospital offers payment plans to help manage costs. Additionally, if you have pet insurance, it’s worth checking if FHO surgery is covered, as many policies include coverage for orthopedic procedures.

Conclusion

The $3,000 cost for Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital is an all-inclusive package for dogs of all sizes, covering everything from diagnostics and surgery to post-operative care and follow-up visits. Our all-inclusive approach ensures that your pet receives top-quality treatment without any hidden costs or surprises.

If your dog is struggling with hip pain, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital today to schedule a consultation and discuss how FHO surgery can help improve their quality of life.