How much does FHO surgery cost for dogs?
How much does FHO surgery cost for dogs?
$1,200 – $2,500 average cost per hip
FHO dog surgery cost
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery for dogs costs $1,200 to $2,500 per hip, depending on the dog’s size, the severity of the condition, and the surgical facility chosen. Dog FHO surgery alleviates pain and restores mobility, improving the quality of life for dogs suffering pain from hip dysplasia or arthritis.
| Surgery | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Unilateral FHO (one hip) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Bilateral FHO (both hips) | $2,400 – $5,000 |
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) can be performed on one hip (unilateral) or both hips (bilateral). The choice depends on the severity of the condition and the dog's needs.
Unilateral FHO is performed when only one hip is affected. Recovery is generally quicker since the dog can rely on the healthy leg during rehabilitation.
Bilateral FHO is recommended for dogs with severe issues in both hips. It can be done in both hips simultaneously or in stages to allow recovery between surgeries. Simultaneous bilateral FHO requires more intensive post-op care, as the dog cannot rely on an unaffected limb during recovery.
What is FHO surgery for dogs?
Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) surgery removes the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint) to eliminate painful friction in damaged hip joints. The procedure creates a pseudoarthrosis (false joint) where muscles and scar tissue stabilize the hip, allowing pain-free movement.
Causes
FHO surgery is often necessary due to underlying conditions that lead to hip joint damage, such as genetic predisposition, degenerative joint diseases, or injury. Hip dysplasia can affect any breed, but some breeds are particularly vulnerable due to genetic and environmental factors.
Large breeds: Breeds including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers are at higher risk due to their rapid growth, weight, and genetic predisposition.
Small breeds: Although less common, smaller dogs can also require FHO surgery. Conditions like Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which causes spontaneous disintegration of the femoral head, can affect smaller breeds. Additionally, injuries from jumping off furniture can lead to hip problems in smaller dogs.
Signs & symptoms
If your dog is suffering from hip pain or mobility issues, your vet may recommend FHO surgery. Watch for these signs:
Lameness or limping
Difficulty moving
Pain response when the hip is touched
Reduced activity
Loss of muscle mass
Bunny hopping gait (moving both hind legs together while running)
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the need for FHO surgery involves a combination of a physical exam, imaging, and medical history to determine the best treatment plan. Common diagnostic procedures include:
Physical examination: A vet visit costs $40 to $80. The vet will check your dog’s gait, range of motion, and pain response.
Pain assessment: Your vet will evaluate the severity and duration of your dog’s pain to determine if surgery is necessary.
Medical history review: They will also consider previous injuries or conditions that could potentially affect the hip joint.
Radiographs: Your vet will likely take dog X-rays that cost $150 to $400 to assess joint damage, confirm conditions like hip dysplasia or fractures, and plan surgery if needed.
Consideration of alternatives: Your vet may discuss non-surgical options like medication or physical therapy before recommending FHO surgery.
Surgical treatment
FHO surgery eliminates bone-on-bone contact in the hip joint to relieve pain and improve mobility. The surgeon starts with an incision to access the hip joint, carefully moving muscles aside to expose the area. Next, they dislocate and remove the femoral head from the hip socket using a specialized tool.
The surgeon closes the muscles and skin to promote healing and post-surgery X-rays are taken to confirm the procedure's success and ensure everything is properly in place.
Recovery
Recovery from FHO surgery is a gradual process that requires careful post-operative care. Most dogs regain normal activity within 6 weeks, but full recovery can take up to 3 to 6 months. Recovery for the first week or two may include pain management and anti-inflammatory drugs, restricted activity to allow the site to heal, and monitoring of the surgical site for signs of infection.
After 3 to 7 days, your vet may encourage slow walks to help your dog learn to bear weight on the affected leg and prevent scar tissue from forming too tightly in the false joint. They may also have you begin range-of-motion exercises and gradually introduce activities like walking, swimming, and stair climbing to rebuild muscle strength.
Benefits of FHO surgery
FHO surgery offers several benefits for dogs with hip pain or joint issues, providing pain relief and improving mobility. This leads to a better quality of life as dogs return to normal activities. FHO is also cost-effective compared to total hip replacement.
While FHO can be performed on larger dogs, it's generally more successful in smaller, active dogs under 50 pounds.
Risks of FHO surgery
FHO surgery in dogs is generally safe and effective, but there are potential risks and complications to consider. These include:
Muscle atrophy: Reduced muscle mass in the affected leg can limit strength and function.
Lameness: Persistent limping or abnormal gait may occur, especially in larger dogs.
Reduced range of motion: The hip joint may have limited flexibility after surgery.
Leg length discrepancy: The operated limb may be slightly shorter, affecting balance.
Prolonged recovery: Healing can take several months, with some dogs requiring ongoing physical therapy.
Pain or discomfort: Residual pain from bone-on-bone contact or improper healing is possible.
Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site.
These risks vary depending on the dog's size, age, and overall health. Proper post-operative care and rehabilitation can help minimize complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Alternatives to FHO surgery
For dogs with hip problems, there are non-surgical alternatives that can help manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. These options are often recommended for mild to moderate cases or when surgery is not feasible.
Physical therapy: Techniques like hydrotherapy, range-of-motion exercises, and gentle walking can strengthen muscles, reduce stiffness, and improve joint function.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the hips and can significantly alleviate symptoms of conditions like hip dysplasia.
Exercise routines: Low-impact activities such as swimming, leash-assisted walking, or sit-to-stand exercises help build muscle strength without overloading the joints.
Joint injections: Injections of medications like hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids into the hip joint can help reduce pain and inflammation, improving comfort and mobility.
Oral medications and supplements: Anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
Other dog hip surgeries
In addition to FHO surgery, there are several other surgical options available for treating hip problems in dogs. Dog hip dysplasia surgery costs can vary widely depending on the type of procedure, the severity of the condition, and other factors like location and post-operative care.
| Surgery type | Average cost per hip | Recovery time |
|---|---|---|
| Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) | $1,200 – $2,500 | 6 weeks |
| Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO) | $3,000 – $6,000 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Total Hip Replacement (THR) | $3,500 – $7,000+ | 12 weeks |
| Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) | $800 – $1,000 | 10 days |
Consult your veterinarian to determine which procedure best fits your dog's needs:
FHO: Used for smaller dogs or when other surgeries aren't feasible, this cost-effective surgery removes the femoral head to create a false joint.
DPO/TPO: Performed on young dogs (typically 5 to 12 months old) to improve hip joint congruity and prevent arthritis.
THR: Total hip replacement for dogs costs $6,500 to $14,500 per hip. Vets often recommend this more complex surgery for larger, older dogs with severe hip dysplasia or arthritis.
JPS: Early intervention for puppies (12 to 20 weeks old) showing signs of hip laxity. This procedure fuses part of the pelvis to improve hip joint stability.
What affects the cost of FHO surgery in dogs?
FHO surgery costs vary depending on the veterinary surgeon and what they include in their fee. Most charge separately for pre-surgical exams, x-rays, and bloodwork costs. Many include fees for anesthesia, medications, and follow-up visits in the surgical fee.
Several additional factors influence the overall cost:
Dog's size and weight: Larger dogs typically require more anesthesia, longer surgical times, and additional resources, increasing the overall cost.
Surgery complexity: Cases involving complications may require extra surgical time or procedures, raising costs.
Surgical facility: General veterinarians tend to charge less than specialty hospitals with advanced equipment.
Veterinarian expertise: Highly skilled or board-certified surgeons may charge higher fees due to their advanced training and experience.
Geographic location: Costs can vary significantly based on the region and whether the clinic is in a rural or urban area.
FAQs about dog FHO surgery
Does pet insurance cover FHO surgery?
Yes, pet insurance can cover FHO surgery if the condition is not considered pre-existing at the time of enrollment. Pet insurance costs and benefits vary by plan and provider, but many reimburse a percentage of the surgery and related costs, such as diagnostics and rehabilitation.
Is my dog a good candidate for FHO surgery?
Dogs with severe hip pain or mobility issues caused by conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or injury may be good candidates for FHO. Smaller, active dogs often have better outcomes. Your veterinarian will evaluate factors like size, age, and overall health to determine if FHO surgery is a good idea.
Will my dog need FHO surgery on both hips?
Some dogs require FHO surgery on both hips if both joints are severely affected. However, the surgery may be done one hip at a time to allow proper recovery before addressing the other side.
Can dogs run after FHO surgery?
Yes, most dogs can run and resume normal activities after recovering from FHO surgery. Full recovery may take up to 3 to 6 months, with physical therapy playing an important role in regaining strength and mobility.
Questions to ask your vet about FHO surgery
When discussing FHO surgery with your veterinarian, ask these questions to ensure you understand the procedure, recovery, and whether it's the best option for your dog:
Would my dog be a good candidate for FHO surgery?
What hip conditions can FHO address in my dog?
How much does FHO surgery cost, and what does the estimate include?
Can you refer me to a veterinary surgeon if you cannot perform this procedure?
What will post-surgery care involve, and will physical therapy or rehabilitation be necessary?
How long will recovery take, and what should I expect during this period?
Are there alternative treatments or surgeries that might be better for my dog’s condition?
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