Understanding Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): When It’s a Great Solution

If your dog or cat is struggling with hip pain, you may be wondering what options exist beyond total hip replacement. At Animal Works Veterinary Surgery, one highly effective and less invasive procedure we frequently recommend is Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)—especially for small dogs and cats with debilitating hip issues.

In this post, we’ll explain what FHO is, when it’s appropriate, what recovery looks like, and how your pet can thrive again.

When Is FHO the Right Choice?

FHO can be an excellent solution when hip pain is interfering with a pet’s quality of life and total hip replacement is either unnecessary or not feasible.

Here are some common scenarios where FHO might be recommended:

• Chronic pain from hip dysplasia

• Severe arthritis in the hip joint

• Hip luxation (dislocation) not responding to other treatments

• Fractures of the femoral head or neck

Who Makes a Good Candidate for FHO?

FHO tends to work best for:

• Cats of any healthy weight

• Small to medium-sized dogs, generally under 50 pounds

• Active pets who need pain relief but don’t require a fully restored anatomical hip

That said, FHO isn’t strictly limited to small pets. In some cases, larger dogs may still benefit from the procedure, depending on their body condition, activity level, and specific diagnosis. Every case is unique—and at Animal Works, we carefully review your pet’s medical records from your primary veterinarian and use that information—along with our examination—to help determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

What Happens During Surgery?

The FHO procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After making a small incision over the hip, the surgeon removes the head and neck of the femur. The surrounding tissues and muscles are left intact and will support the formation of a new, fibrous joint over time.

The incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples, and your pet will begin the healing process right away—with your help.

Recovery: What Pet Owners Should Expect

Recovery from FHO surgery is typically smooth and highly successful, especially when owners follow the post-operative care instructions closely.. At Animal Works, we provide a detailed post-surgical instruction form to guide you every step of the way, and you’re always welcome to call, email, or text us with questions during recovery.

Here’s what to expect after your pet comes home:

Immediately After Surgery

After surgery, it’s completely normal for your pet to be a bit tired or unsteady on their feet as they recover from anesthesia. You might also notice a mild cough or a softer voice for a day or two, which can happen from the breathing tube used during the procedure. With some rest, food, and water, most pets start feeling more like themselves within a day or so.

Incision Care

• There’s no need to clean your pet’s incision—it actually heals best when left alone. The stitches we use are dissolvable, so they’ll gradually disappear on their own over the next several weeks.
• Some mild swelling or bruising can be normal, but if you notice anything unusual—like discharge, missing sutures, or more swelling than expected—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
• To help the incision heal properly, it’s very important that your pet wears their E-collar or surgical suit consistently for about two weeks. We know it’s not their favorite accessory, but it plays a big role in preventing licking, which is the  most common cause of post-op complications.

Food and Water

Offer your pet their normal food and water when they get home. A little queasiness is normal, but excessive vomiting or diarrhea is not—contact us if that occurs. Keeping their diet familiar helps reduce stomach upset.

Warm & Cold Therapy

• Days 1–3: Apply a cold compress (like frozen peas in a towel) to the hip for 5–10 minutes, 3–4 times daily.

• Days 4–14: Switch to a warm compress to increase circulation and promote healing. Always test the temperature on your wrist before applying.

Activity Guidelines (Weeks 1–8)

Your pet needs strict activity restriction early on—no jumping, running, or off-leash activity. Controlled, short leash walks are essential to encourage gentle use of the leg and prevent muscle loss.

Here’s a general walking timeline:

• Week 1: 5-minute walks, 3–4 times/day, plus gentle massage and range-of-motion exercises.

• Week 2: Increase to 10-minute walks, massage, and range-of-motion exercises.

• Week 3–4: Walks up to 20–30 minutes; reduce or stop range-of-motion if your pet is walking well.

• Week 5–8: Continue 20–30 minute controlled walks, 2–3 times/day.

Use a sling or harness if needed—especially on stairs or slick floors—to prevent slips or falls in the early stages.

🏋️‍♀️ Weeks 9–12 and Beyond: Rebuilding Strength

If your pet is recovering well, you can gradually increase activity, including short sessions of off-leash time. The goal is to slowly rebuild strength and stamina while avoiding overuse

Real-Life Results: What Success Looks Like

We’ve seen countless success stories at Animal Works—from small terriers chasing balls again to senior cats leaping up to window sills pain-free. Most pets treated with FHO regain their independence, mobility, and comfort without needing further surgical intervention.

In fact, many pet owners are surprised at how quickly their pets bounce back. While recovery does require diligence and patience, the reward is seeing your beloved companion active, playful, and pain-free once more.

Still Have Questions About FHO?

If you’re wondering whether your pet might benefit from Femoral Head Ostectomy, we’re here to help. At Animal Works Veterinary Surgery, we take the time to evaluate each case individually, explain all your options, and create a plan that puts your pet’s comfort and future first.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get a second opinion on your pet’s hip condition.

Animal Works Veterinary Surgery
Fort Collins
970-694-2625