FHO - Dog
Aproximate Cost:
$1,300 - $1,900
What It Is
An FHO, or femoral head and neck ostectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes the ball portion of the hip joint (the femoral head and neck). By eliminating the diseased or damaged part of the joint, the body develops a false joint made of muscle and scar tissue, which removes pain and restores mobility.
Why It’s Performed
This surgery is commonly used to treat pets with severe hip disease or trauma when total hip replacement is not an option. Indications include chronic hip dysplasia, severe arthritis, femoral head fractures, luxated hip or conditions where the blood supply to the femoral head has been compromised (legg-calve-perthes disease). The goal is to remove pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Risks Involved
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, or poor return of function if rehabilitation is not followed. Larger breed dogs may experience less predictable outcomes compared to smaller patients. Long-term stiffness or uneven gait is possible, though the pain has been removed which restores quality of life.
Typical Recovery Time
Pets go home the same day of surgery. Activity is encouraged within the first 3-5 days to maintain muscle mass. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises play an important role in building strength and flexibility. Full recovery and return to comfortable mobility typically occurs over 6–12 weeks. Chronic injuries with severe muscle wasting can take up to 6 months.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform femoral head and neck ostectomies with precision and a focus on long-term function. Our team’s goal is to provide orthopedic surgery that is both high-quality and affordable, with transparent estimates so pet owners can plan for the cost of care confidently.
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.