Femoral Head Ostectomy

Hi all, some of you may remember me, Jessica, and my pooches, Paula, Buddy, and Boo the greyhounds, and Pup the little black mutt!

Well, my little Pup has hip dysplasia and bad arthritis in her hips. We had her evaluated a couple of years ago, at a veterinary hospital. We were told that, due to her size, she is not eligible for a total hip replacement. What they could do to fix her is a procedure called Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). This is a description of the surgery, from the UCDavis Vet school website:
"What is the femoral head ostectomy (FHO) procedure? Femoral head ostectomy is removal or excision of the ball portion of the hip joint. After removal, the bone is smoothed so there is no bone to bone contact occurring between the pelvis and the remaining portion of the femur. Removal of the portion of the femur that articulates with the hip joint then causes formation of a false fibrous joint. "

We are considering having this procedure done on Pup within the next few months. However, I would love to hear some first-hand accounts of short-term and long-range recovery. Has anyone here ever known of a dog who has gone through this procedure?

Welcome back, Jessica. It's been over a year since your last post! I do remember you and your pictures of your dogs, especially one with 3 greys on a couch - six very long legs!!

I'm sorry to hear about Pup. Hopefully others have some information to help you.

Sorry I don't have any info for you, but it is great to see you my fellow Toledian back here. I thought of you this weekend when a bunch of us for Pet Talk got together in Findlay, OH at the Dog Park and there were some locals there...one w/ 3 greyhounds, one w/ 4! ( There are pictures in Other/General/ Pet Talk Meeting July 13th)

We're doing it again, most likely Labor Day weekend if you want to join us :)

Best wishes for Pup. I hope this procedure will be ther ight answer for her.

Welcome back Jessica!! So nice to hear from an old timer:) But sad to hear about Pup:( My Cody has the same condition and my vet and I talked about the very procedure you have described. He spoke very positively of it and said it was a very common procedure; that most dogs did very well post-op. Unfortuantely I don't have any first hand knowledge, and don't know of anyone whose dog has had the procedure. I'm wondering if there isn't a forum out "there" somewhere where you can discuss this with other dog people who have had experience with this?? I'm going to check around, Jessica and get back to you. Give Paula, Buddy, Boo and Pup a hug for me. Please check back!:) Sandra

Hello Jessica,

It's very good to hear from you again. How's school going, or
have you finished yet? I'm sorry I do not know anyone who
has any experience with this surgery procedure, but I have
heard of it. It was not a viable option with my Buddy.Sandra
has a good idea about checking out specific groups on the web.
I hope you find the info you need to know. Best of luck with Pup.
All the best, Liz & Smokey.

p.s. You've been missed here at Pet Talk. :D

Sorry to hear that your pup has hip dysplasia.
I can't offer you any advice on the proceedure,
but from your post and Sandra's, it sounds promising.

Sorry, no firsthand info - but secondhand I got! A friend's 22 lb miniature poodle had the procedure about 1 year ago at age 6. She is doing very well - had a couple rough weeks right after the surgery, with some pain and of course the dreaded plastic collar. She looked pitiful for a long while - but progressed well all along the way.

Best wishes to you and Pup as you decide what is next - and loads of tickles and love to all your bunch! It is grand to hear from you!!!!!

JESSICA!!!!!!! It is sooo wonderful to see you here again! I missed you so much!

I am so sorry to hear about Pup :( I can't offer you much information on it, but I will keep you and Pup in my prayers.

Welcome Back Jessica!!
I think of you and the Tack Pack often!!!:)
I don't have any info on it, but I do wish little Pup well!

My sister's GSD (McGuyver) had the procedure done on both hips (seperate operations of course) about 10 years ago. He was in a great deal of pain before the operation. It was all he could do to walk outside to go potty. It took about 2 - 3 weeks for him to recover - although he was walking with help on day 2!

Once he recovered from surgery he was a completely different dog - playing, romping, and just generally happier. He did have trouble with the two hips (arthritis) in later life but meds and a good quality dog food took care of that. He passed away last year at the ripe age of 13.

Although it was an expensive surgery - my sister never regretted it. It definitely made his quality of life so much better. And McGuyver was a 110 lb love bug.

Hi Jessica! I was just thinking about your furcrew the other day -- so glad to see you back on the board!!

I can't offer any advice but I can offer my well-wishes! Good luck to Pup! :)