Is your dog struggling with dog arthritis or other hip issues? Learn how Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) surgery can provide pain relief and restore mobility, plus the crucial role of rehabilitation in a successful recovery.
- FHO surgery can significantly improve quality of life for dogs with chronic hip pain caused by conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or trauma, by removing the painful femoral head.
- Rehabilitation is crucial for a successful FHO recovery, helping dogs regain strength, mobility, and comfort through targeted exercises and therapies.
- FHO surgery offers pain relief and improved mobility, allowing dogs to return to cherished activities like walks and playtime.
If you’re here, chances are your veterinarian has mentioned Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) surgery as an option for your dog. The thought of such a procedure can feel overwhelming, especially if your senior dog has been struggling with painful hips for some time. Let me break it down for you: FHO is often the lifeline that helps restore your dog’s comfort and mobility when arthritis or other hip issues have taken their toll.
What Is a Femoral Head Osteotomy?
An FHO is a surgical procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur—the “ball” of the ball-and-socket hip joint. Why would anyone do this? Because sometimes, the joint becomes a source of relentless pain due to conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or trauma. By removing the femoral head, we eliminate the painful bone-on-bone contact.
Your dog’s body will adapt by forming a “false joint” with surrounding muscles and tissues, providing enough stability to regain function. It may not be the same as their original hip joint, but with the right care and rehabilitation, many dogs return to an active, happy life after FHO surgery.
Who Might Benefit from FHO Surgery?
FHO surgery is typically recommended for dogs facing chronic or severe hip pain. Here are the most common situations where FHO is a game-changer:
- Hip Dysplasia: Particularly common in larger breeds, this genetic condition leads to instability and painful arthritis over time.
- Severe Arthritis: Especially in senior dogs, arthritis can make every movement painful. FHO can provide significant relief when other treatments, like medications or supplements, no longer help.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Seen in small-breed dogs, this condition causes the femoral head to deteriorate, requiring surgical intervention.
- Trauma or Fractures: If the hip joint is damaged beyond repair due to an injury, FHO can restore your dog’s ability to move pain-free.
Why Choose FHO Surgery for Your Senior Dog?
As a devoted dog parent, your focus is on giving your senior pup the happiest, healthiest years possible. FHO surgery aligns beautifully with this goal by addressing two key concerns:
1. Pain Relief
Chronic hip pain can rob your dog of their joy, making even simple activities like standing or lying down difficult.
FHO removes the source of that pain, allowing your dog to feel relief almost immediately after surgery.
2. Improved Mobility
Once your dog’s body has adapted to the new joint structure, they can regain freedom of movement. With rehabilitation, they may even return to their favorite activities—long walks, backyard zoomies, or snuggling into their favorite position on the couch.
The Role of Rehabilitation in FHO Recovery
Here’s the secret to a successful FHO recovery: rehabilitation. As a veterinarian specializing in canine rehabilitation, I’ve seen how critical it is to support the healing process after surgery. Rehab bridges the gap between surgery and your dog’s full recovery, helping them adapt to their new joint structure while strengthening the surrounding muscles.
What Does Rehab Look Like?
Your dog’s rehabilitation program will focus on:
- Pain Management: Techniques like laser therapy and massage can soothe sore muscles and promote healing.
- Rebuilding Strength: Controlled exercises, such as underwater treadmill sessions or resistance training, rebuild muscle mass and joint stability.
- Improving Flexibility: Range-of-motion exercises prevent stiffness and help your dog regain fluid movement.
- Enhancing Balance: Proprioception and balance training improve coordination and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is key to minimizing stress on the hip joint.
Rehabilitation ensures your dog not only recovers but thrives after FHO surgery, allowing them to get back to doing what they love—comfortably and confidently.
Investing in Your Dog’s Health and Happiness
As someone who prioritizes quality over quantity, you understand the value of investing in your dog’s long-term well-being. FHO surgery, paired with a structured rehabilitation plan, is a proactive way to ensure your dog lives pain-free and stays mobile into their golden years.
If you’re considering FHO for your dog, let’s talk about how we can create a personalized recovery plan that meets your pet’s unique needs. Together, we can help them move better, feel better, and enjoy every moment by your side.