FHO Surgery

FHO Surgery in Cedar Springs, MI

Hip pain can make every step hard for a dog or cat. At Cedar Animal Hospital, we help pets from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan move more comfortably with femoral head ostectomy, a well-established hip surgery, along with a clear recovery plan for home.

Understanding FHO Surgery

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the top of the thigh bone, called the femoral head, and it sits in a socket in the pelvis. In a femoral head ostectomy, or FHO, the veterinarian removes that ball. Instead of bone grinding on bone, the body forms a cushion of scar tissue, and the surrounding muscles take over the job of supporting the leg. The result is a pain-free false joint that lets most pets walk, run, and play again.

FHO is often recommended for hip fractures that cannot be repaired, hips that keep dislocating, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in small dogs, and painful hip dysplasia or arthritis. It tends to work especially well for cats and small to medium dogs. Dr. Lawrence Nauta focuses his continuing education on orthopedics, and our team will help you decide whether FHO or another approach is the best fit for your pet.

What to Expect During FHO Surgery

Here is how FHO surgery typically works at Cedar Animal Hospital, from diagnosis to recovery.

1. Orthopedic Exam and Imaging

Your veterinarian checks how your pet walks and how the hip moves. Digital radiographs show the joint, and our in-house CT scan is available when we need a more detailed look.

2. Pre-Surgical Planning

Bloodwork confirms your pet is ready for anesthesia. We explain the procedure, the recovery timeline, and an estimate, and answer your questions before scheduling.

3. Surgery

With anesthesia and pain control in place, the femoral head is removed and the edges are smoothed in one of our surgical suites. Most pets go home after a short hospital stay.

4. Early Movement and Rehabilitation

Unlike some orthopedic surgeries, FHO recovery depends on getting the leg moving early. We show you gentle exercises and give you a schedule for increasing activity so the muscles build strength and support the new joint. Laser therapy may also be discussed to support comfort during recovery.

Why FHO Surgery Can Help Your Pet

For the right patient, FHO can turn a painful hip into a comfortable one and give a pet their active life back.

Pain Relief

By removing the damaged ball of the hip, FHO stops the painful bone-on-bone contact that causes limping and stiffness.

A Solution When Repair Is Not Possible

Some hip fractures and dislocations cannot be fixed or keep coming back. FHO offers a reliable option in these situations.

Good Results in Smaller Pets

Cats and small dogs often adapt very well to the new joint, returning to normal activity once their muscles strengthen.

Signs of Hip Pain in Pets

Hip problems can show up slowly or suddenly. Watch for:

• Limping or holding up a back leg
• Trouble getting up, climbing stairs, or jumping
• A bunny-hopping gait when running
• Loss of muscle in one back leg
• Pain or crying out when the hip is touched

If your pet suddenly cannot use a back leg after a fall or accident, call right away. Our urgent and emergency team is available seven days a week.

Helping Your Pet Succeed After Surgery

The most important part of FHO recovery happens at home. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight, following the exercise plan, and keeping recheck appointments all help the new joint become strong and comfortable.

Practice Highlights

Cedar Animal Hospital is proud to care for pets from Cedar Springs and across West Michigan:

• Multiple Surgical Suites: Dedicated space for orthopedic procedures
• Advanced Imaging: Digital radiography and an in-house CT scan
• Laser Therapy: Available in-house to support comfort and recovery
• AAHA-Accredited: Caring for pets since April 1993
• Flexible Payment Options: Cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay