FHO surgery
for dogs.
What is FHO surgery?
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket. In dogs with hip dysplasia, chronic luxation, or avascular necrosis, that ball grinds against the socket with every step — causing pain, inflammation, and progressive arthritis. FHO surgery removes the femoral head (the ball) entirely. The body responds by forming a false joint of scar tissue that provides pain-free mobility without the bone-on-bone contact.
FHO does not require implants, which makes it less expensive and less complex than total hip replacement. It is particularly effective for smaller dogs (under 50 lbs) and cats, though it can be performed on larger dogs as well. The trade-off is that the gait may not be perfectly normal — but the pain is gone, and most owners report a dramatic improvement in their dog's quality of life.
Conditions treated.
Hip dysplasia
The most common indication. The hip socket is too shallow, causing instability, pain, and progressive arthritis over years.
Chronic hip luxation
A dislocated hip that cannot be reduced or stays dislocated despite conservative management. FHO eliminates the painful contact.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head — the bone dies and collapses. Most common in small breed puppies. FHO is the definitive treatment.
Severe hip arthritis
End-stage degenerative joint disease where the cartilage is gone and bone rubs on bone. FHO removes the source of pain.
Recovery timeline.
Home rest with pain medications. Ice packing the hip. Very limited movement.
Toe-touching begins. Short 5-minute leash walks for bathroom only. Incision heals.
Partial weight-bearing. Gradually increasing walk duration (10-15 min). Passive range-of-motion exercises.
Near-normal walking. Longer leash walks (20-30 min). Still no running or jumping.
Cleared for normal activity. The false joint continues to mature and improve over 3-6 months.
FHO FAQs.
What conditions does FHO treat?
FHO is used for hip dysplasia, chronic hip luxation (dislocation), avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease), and severe hip arthritis. It eliminates the painful bone-on-bone contact by removing the damaged joint surfaces.
Will my dog walk normally after FHO?
Most dogs return to comfortable, functional mobility. The gait may not be perfectly normal — there is often a slight difference — but the pain is gone. Smaller dogs tend to have better outcomes because they carry less weight on the false joint. Most owners report a dramatic improvement in quality of life.
What is FHO surgery?
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure that removes the ball of the hip joint — the femoral head and neck. The body then forms a false joint made of scar tissue, eliminating the bone-on-bone contact that causes pain.
How much does FHO surgery cost?
Nationally, FHO surgery ranges from $1,200 to $5,000 depending on the dog's size and the facility. At WMVO, we give you a straight price on the phone — no paid consultation required to get a number. Call us at (616) 364-3333.
How long is FHO recovery?
Most dogs begin toe-touching within 10-14 days and are partially weight-bearing by 3 weeks. Full recovery takes about 6 weeks, with continued improvement over several months as the false joint matures and strengthens.
Is FHO a last resort?
FHO is not a last resort — it is a well-established, effective procedure. For many dogs, especially smaller breeds, it is the best option. It avoids the cost and complexity of total hip replacement while reliably eliminating pain. We will tell you honestly whether FHO, THR, or conservative management is right for your dog.
Is FHO right for your dog?
Call us and we'll give you a straight answer. We review your dog's X-rays and tell you honestly whether FHO, total hip replacement, or conservative management is the best option.