At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, one of the most common questions we hear from concerned pet owners is: “Will my dog return to normal after Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery?” While FHO can be a life-changing procedure for dogs with hip pain, it’s important to understand what “normal” means post-surgery and the recovery process involved.
What to Expect After FHO Surgery
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a procedure that helps alleviate chronic hip pain by removing the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint). While the surgery does not restore the hip joint to its original state, it can significantly improve your dog’s mobility and quality of life.
However, it’s important to understand that after FHO surgery, your dog may experience some limitations in terms of their range of motion. The body forms a fibrous false joint in place of the hip joint, which is not as stable as a natural joint or a total hip replacement. Despite this, many dogs adjust very well and return to active lifestyles, though they may not regain 100% of their original mobility.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery process plays a huge role in your dog’s overall outcome after FHO surgery. While most dogs will regain significant mobility, it’s essential to provide them with proper post-operative care and rehabilitation.
Recovery Timeline:
First 1-2 Weeks:
- Your dog will need rest and restricted activity to allow the surgical site to heal.
- Most dogs will show improvement in pain levels after the first few weeks.
Weeks 3-6:
- You can begin gradually increasing activity, such as short, controlled walks.
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy (swimming) are recommended during this stage to help strengthen muscles around the hip joint.
Weeks 6-12:
- Dogs can start resuming normal activities, including longer walks and playtime.
- Some mild limping or stiffness may still be present, but pain should be minimal.
After 3-6 Months:
- By this point, many dogs have adjusted to their new joint mechanics and can resume most activities, including running and playing.
Factors That Influence Recovery:
- Age: Younger, healthier dogs tend to recover faster than older dogs.
- Size: Smaller dogs generally have quicker recoveries compared to large breeds.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: A dedicated rehabilitation program can help improve muscle strength and mobility.
- Pain Management: Managing post-surgical pain is crucial for a smoother recovery and better outcomes.
Helping Your Dog Recover Faster
- Stick to rehab exercises – Hydrotherapy and controlled exercise strengthen muscles.
- Watch for discomfort – If lameness worsens, check in with your vet.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Extra weight puts stress on the joints.
Will My Dog Be Pain-Free After FHO?
Most dogs experience significant relief from pain after FHO surgery. While some mild discomfort or stiffness may persist due to the altered joint mechanics, the bone-on-bone pain caused by conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or fractures will be greatly reduced. Many owners report their dogs becoming more active, playful, and mobile within a few months after surgery.
Being Realistic: Lameness & Mechanical Changes
While FHO surgery removes the source of pain, it does not restore a completely normal gait. Some dogs develop mild mechanical lameness, meaning:
- Their movement may not look perfectly symmetrical, especially at slower speeds.
- They may have a shorter stride or slight limp on the operated leg.
- They compensate well over time, especially with strong muscle development.
This mechanical lameness is not painful, and most dogs adjust well, leading active, happy lives. However, for high-performance dogs or larger breeds, ongoing physiotherapy can help improve function.
Are There Any Long-Term Limitations?
While FHO surgery can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Most dogs will adapt to the new hip joint and function well, but they may never have the same full range of motion as they did before the hip condition developed. Some dogs might exhibit mild limping or stiffness when engaging in high-impact activities like running or jumping.
However, most dogs adjust to their new mobility and live a happy, active life without major issues. To help your dog maintain their mobility long-term, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight and continue with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
Is FHO the Right Choice for Your Dog?
If your dog has been diagnosed with a condition that causes severe hip pain and mobility issues, Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) can offer substantial benefits. While it may not restore the hip joint to perfect health, it provides long-term pain relief and allows most dogs to return to an active, pain-free life.
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we are here to help guide you through the decision-making process and ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. If you have concerns about whether FHO surgery is right for your dog, contact us today for a consultation.