Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is a procedure that involves removing the femoral head, or the ball of the hip joint, to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs with severe hip problems. If your dog is limping or having trouble walking, FHO surgery might be recommended by your vet as a solution.
FHO surgery costs can range from $1,200 – $2,500 or more.1 You may also need to consider the costs of diagnostic and post-surgical care, which can range from $150 – $500, depending on the specific treatments your dog requires.
To help decide whether FHO surgery is the best option for your dog’s situation, here’s a breakdown of what the surgery entails, when it’s needed, and what costs you can expect from diagnosis to recovery.
What Is a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) Surgery in Dogs?
A dog’s hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. At the end of the leg bone or femur is a ball-like protrusion, which is capped with cartilage. This is referred to as the femoral head. The femoral head normally fits into the joint in the pelvis bone called the acetabulum. Normally, the joint moves smoothly on the cartilage head, preventing friction between the two bones.2
However, if the joint becomes damaged or diseased, your dog’s mobility can be affected. This can lead to painful or awkward movements for your dog.2
With an FHO, a veterinary surgeon can remove the femoral head. After the surgery, your dog’s muscles can help to hold the femur in place. Over time, scar tissue can build up between the femur and the acetabulum creating what is known as a pseudoarthrosis (false joint). While this is different from a normal joint, it can allow your dog to move freely without pain. Over time, your dog may be able to recover most of their mobility.2
When Is Dog FHO Recommended?
While not as extensive as a total hip replacement, an FHO may be considered a ‘salvage procedure’ and can’t be reversed. That’s why it’s usually recommended only if your dog’s pain can’t be treated using medication, weight loss, non-surgical options, and/or other surgical procedures.2
Some common reasons why an FHO may be required can include:
- Canine hip dysplasia: This is a condition that can occur in younger dogs. When the bones in the ball-and-socket joint don’t grow at the same rate, it can cause instability in your dog’s legs. This can lead to a “bunny hopping” gait as well as pain, limping, or lameness.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur is blocked or disrupted. If the bone and cartilage don’t get enough nourishment, it can cause the femoral head to soften. Over time, the weakened bone will crack and potentially collapse the joint.2
- Osteoarthritis: This orthopedic disease is more likely to occur in older, overweight dogs where the cartilage at the end of the femur wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone grating.
Is FHO surgery right for your dog?
Experts claim that the procedure tends to be the most effective in dogs weighing less than 40 pounds. As a result, FHO surgery is typically recommended for smaller dogs who are at a healthy weight. However, your veterinarian will make the final call.2
How Much Does FHO Surgery Cost for a Dog?
If you and your vet decide that FHO surgery is the most effective way to help address your dog’s hip pain, it can be a good idea to consider the potential costs.
Diagnostic costs
Before performing any operation, your vet may need to take an X-ray to examine your dog’s hip joint and assess the problem. The average cost of a dog X-ray is about $150 – $250, but some can cost upwards of $500.
Your vet may also need to perform pre-surgical bloodwork to determine how well your dog will respond to anesthesia. This can potentially add another $200 to your costs.
FHO surgery costs
Your dog's size, age, and condition can all affect the cost of the surgery. But according to the New England Veterinary Center, it usually starts around $1,200 and can go up to $2,500 or more.1 However, in some cases, the total cost can be much higher.
For example, Groot, a Yorkie puppy, needed FHO surgery. After paying the bill, his pet parents submitted a claim for about $5,900 through MetLife Pet. With their insurance, they were reimbursed around $2,200.3
While the surgery can be expensive, having pet insurance can help significantly reduce the amount you have to pay out of pocket and make it more affordable to get your dog the care they need.
Post-surgical care costs
While many dogs can return home after the surgery is performed, some may need to spend some time at the vet — which may come with extra costs. After that, you may also need to provide them with additional care as their body builds the new “false joint.”2
- Medications: During the first few days or weeks after your dog’s FHO, they may need your help managing the pain and making sure they’re healing properly. This could require prescription pain medications and/or antibiotics.2
- Follow-up visits: It can take about 6 weeks for a dog to make a full-recovery after an FHO. During and after that time, your vet may want to check your dog for any signs of infection and to make sure they’re healing properly.1
Additional therapeutic costs
To help with your dog’s recovery, your vet may also recommend additional therapeutic treatments, which may help them heal and recover mobility faster. These may include:
- Laser therapy: According to the American Animal Hospital Association, more vets are using therapeutic lasers to help reduce inflammation and improve healing.4 PetMD currently shows that laser therapy can cost between $40 – $100 per session.5
- Hydrotherapy: With hydrotherapy, your dog is encouraged to swim or run on an underwater treadmill designed for dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) prices these from $35 – $45 for an initial consultation and $35 – $50 for an underwater treadmill session.6
FHO Surgery Aftercare and Recovery
After your dog undergoes femoral head ostectomy surgery, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. While FHO surgery can effectively alleviate pain and improve your dog’s mobility, the recovery process requires patience and careful attention to your pet’s needs.
Post-surgery care
Immediately after FHO surgery, your dog will need plenty of rest and a quiet space to recover. Your vet will likely prescribe pain medications and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection. It’s also recommended that your dog avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks while they heal from the surgery.7
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s aftercare instructions closely and monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or complications, such as swelling or excessive bleeding at the surgical site.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Physical therapy is an essential part of the FHO surgery recovery process. Your vet may recommend specific exercises to help your dog regain strength and mobility in the affected leg. These activities may include controlled walking and range-of-motion exercises. Your vet may also suggest swimming, massages, laser therapy, or another form of physical therapy.4,5,6,7
Consistent rehabilitation can significantly improve your dog’s success rate after FHO surgery and allow them to regain their ability to walk, run, and play normally.
FHO surgery recovery timeline
Recovery from FHO surgery can be about 6 weeks, depending on your dog’s age, size, and overall health.7 During this time, your dog may initially have limited use of the affected leg but should gradually improve with proper care and rehabilitation. While some dogs may develop a slightly altered gait, most can return to a normal, pain-free life once they have fully recovered.
Worried About the Cost of FHO? Dog Insurance May Be Able To Help
Choosing to move forward with FHO surgery can be a tough decision, but it’s often a crucial step toward relieving your dog’s pain and improving their quality of life for years to come. While the potential benefits are significant, the costs associated with the surgery and recovery can be a concern for many dog owners.
To help ease the financial burden, consider a dog insurance policy from MetLife Pet Insurance. This coverage can assist with the costs of surgery, traditional treatments, and alternative therapies. Get a quote today, and take the first step in safeguarding your dog’s health and your peace of mind.
