Recovery After FHO Surgery

🐶 RECOVERY AFTER FHO SURGERY

A femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure in which the head and neck of the femur (thighbone) are removed to eliminate painful contact between the femur and the hip socket. During recovery, the body forms fibrous tissue that creates a functional false joint.

Unlike procedures that require prolonged immobilization, FHO recovery benefits from early controlled movement and rehabilitation to restore limb function and prevent muscle loss. Recovery may take several weeks to months, depending on your pet's condition and progress.

If your dog becomes anxious or difficult to confine, contact your veterinarian. Medication may be needed to help keep your dog calm and safe during recovery.

🩹 INCISION CARE

• Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, bleeding, or opening. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.
• Prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the incision site. Your pet should wear the E-collar at all times until the incision is healed and your veterinarian approves its removal. Even brief licking increases the risk of infection and complications.
• Keep the incision clean and dry. No baths or swimming until the incision has healed and any sutures or staples have been removed, as directed by your veterinarian.
• Cold compress: If recommended, apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin towel for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times daily, during the first 3 days. Always place a protective layer, such as a thin towel, between the ice pack and your pet's skin.
• Warm compress: After the first 3 days, your veterinarian may recommend a warm compress for 3–5 days if the area remains bruised, painful, or swollen. Always use a protective layer and ensure the compress is not too hot.

⚠️ Allowing your dog to lick the incison, even for short periods, increase the risk of complications and increase veterinary costs.

🚶 ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE

Controlled movement is essential for successful FHO recovery. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity and exercise progression.

• Keep your pet in a small, comfortable area when not directly supervised.
• Take short, slow, leash-only bathroom walks. Use a harness or sling for support if needed.
• Prevent running, jumping, rough play, sudden turns, and off-leash activity during the initial recovery period.
• Limit stairs and furniture access. Avoid slippery floors. Use rugs or nonslip mats to help your pet maintain traction and prevent falls.
• Continue strict restrictions for approximately 8–12 weeks, or until your veterinarian confirms adequate healing on follow-up X-rays.
• Gradually increase activity as your pet becomes more comfortable and uses the operated leg consistently.
• Your veterinarian will determine how long restrictions are needed based on your pet's progress.

🦴 REHABILITATION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

Rehabilitation helps restore range of motion, maintain muscle strength, and encourage comfortable use of the operated leg. Your veterinarian may recommend starting gentle exercises soon after surgery, depending on your pet's pain level and surgical findings.

Exercises may include:

• Assisted standing: Encourage your pet to stand evenly on all four legs, providing support as needed.
• Controlled weight-bearing: Encourage gentle use of the operated leg during short, supervised walks.
• Passive range-of-motion exercises:
  • Positioning: Lay your dog down with the operated leg facing upward and gently support the limb.
  • Toe flexion and extension: Slowly flex the toes until you feel minimal resistance. Hold for 1–2 seconds, then extend the toes and hold for another 1–2 seconds. Repeat the toe movements 10–15 times.
  • Joint movement: Gently flex and extend the ankle, knee, and hip, repeating each movement 10–15 times.
  • Bicycle motion: If recommended, gently move the leg forward and backward in a bicycle motion for 1 minute.
  • Leash walks: Follow with a slow, controlled leash walk for 5–10 minutes if recommended.
• Short, controlled walks: Gradually increase walking time as your pet becomes more comfortable and begins using the operated leg consistently.

Never force joint movement or continue exercises that cause significant pain. Your veterinarian or rehabilitation professional can demonstrate the correct techniques and guide progression.

Hydrotherapy or underwater treadmill therapy may benefit some pets once the incision has healed and your veterinarian approves.

💊 MEDICATIONS AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

Your dog may receive pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and, when indicated, antibiotics after surgery. Follow the prescription instructions carefully.

• Give all medications at the prescribed dose and schedule. Do not stop, change, or add medications without consulting your veterinarian.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or dark, tarry stools. If these signs occur, stop the NSAID and contact your veterinarian promptly.
• Never combine NSAIDs or give an NSAID with a steroid, such as prednisone, unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. These combinations can cause serious side effects.
• If antibiotics are prescribed, follow your veterinarian's instructions and complete the course as directed.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet's pain appears uncontrolled, appetite decreases significantly, or mobility worsens rather than gradually improving.

If your dog received a long-acting local anesthetic during surgery, it may provide additional pain relief during the first few days.

🔍 WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY

• Limb use: Your dog should gradually put more weight on the operated leg and typically use it consistently within 5–7 days. Contact your veterinarian if this does not occur or your dog suddenly stops using the leg.
• Swelling: Mild swelling or bruising around the surgical site 2-3 days after surgery may occur. Swelling can also move down toward the ankle due to gravity during the first few days.
• Appetite: Appetite may temporarily decrease after anesthesia and surgery. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is not eating within the next few days.
• Bowel movements: Anesthesia, pain medications, and changes in routine may cause constipation. Contact your veterinarian if your dog appears uncomfortable, strains repeatedly, or has other concerning symptoms.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog is not consistently using the operated leg within 5–7 days, suddenly stops using it, or shows worsening pain rather than gradual improvement.

🩺 RECHECK APPOINTMENTS

Follow-up visits allow your veterinarian to assess the incision, pain level, limb use, and rehabilitation progress.

• 10–14 days after surgery: Incision evaluation and suture or staple removal, if applicable.
• Subsequent rechecks: Your veterinarian will determine whether additional examinations or rehabilitation adjustments are needed based on your pet's progress.

🚨 WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice:

• Redness, increasing swelling, heat, discharge, bleeding, or opening of the incision.
• Persistent or worsening pain despite prescribed medication.
• Sudden inability to use the operated leg or a significant decline in mobility.
• Decreased appetite that persists, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, or dark, tarry stools.
• Marked lethargy or other concerning changes.

Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog experiences severe pain, collapse, difficulty breathing, or another emergency.

💚 HELP YOUR PET RECOVER SUCCESSFULLY

Successful FHO recovery depends on appropriate pain management, controlled activity, and consistent rehabilitation.

The goal is comfortable, functional mobility—not necessarily a perfectly normal hip joint. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations and encourage gradual, controlled use of the operated leg to help your pet achieve the best possible outcome.

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