Mon / Tue / Thu / Fri: 9am – 6pm
Wed: 9am – 6pm (farm calls – large animal)
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Hickory Hill Veterinary Services provides expert Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery in Tampa, offering effective hip pain relief and restored mobility for pets with severe hip joint disease.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure in which the head and neck of the femur (thighbone) are removed, eliminating the painful bone-on-bone contact within a damaged or diseased hip joint. Without the femoral head, the body forms a ‘false joint’ (pseudoarthrosis) supported by surrounding muscles and fibrous tissue. FHO is a highly effective salvage procedure for pets with severe hip dysplasia, femoral head fractures, hip luxation that cannot be reduced, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or chronic hip arthritis that has not responded to medical management. It is suitable for dogs and cats of all sizes, with smaller patients typically achieving the most functional outcomes.
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Our veterinary team at Hickory Hill Veterinary Services provides expert FHO surgery with thorough pre-surgical planning and comprehensive post-operative support.
Our veterinarian performs a complete orthopedic examination and obtains digital radiographs of the hip joint to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical approach. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork ensures surgical safety.
FHO is performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring of vital signs. Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities throughout the procedure.
Our veterinarian removes the femoral head and neck using precise surgical technique, contouring the cut surface smoothly to promote formation of a functional false joint. Muscles are reattached to support the limb.
Early, controlled physical therapy exercises are critical to FHO success. Our team provides a structured rehabilitation protocol starting within days of surgery to promote muscle development and optimal limb function.
For pets suffering from irreparable hip joint disease, FHO offers a path to pain-free movement without the need for a functioning hip joint.
FHO eliminates the source of hip pain by removing the diseased bone contact. Most pets experience dramatically reduced pain within weeks of surgery and rehabilitation.
FHO provides excellent outcomes at a fraction of the cost of total hip replacement, making it an accessible option for many pet owners.
FHO outcomes are excellent in cats and small to medium dogs, with most patients achieving good to excellent limb function after appropriate rehabilitation.
FHO surgery is recommended for pets with severe hip dysplasia, femoral head fractures, irreducible hip luxation, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and chronic hip arthritis unresponsive to medical management. Our team at Hickory Hill Veterinary Services will evaluate your pet and advise on the best treatment approach.
FHO surgery costs less than total hip replacement and varies by patient size and any additional diagnostics required. Most surgeries take 1–2 hours. Call (813) 373-5924 for a personalized estimate.
Fast your pet from midnight before surgery. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required. After surgery, start prescribed physical therapy exercises early, restrict running and jumping, and attend all follow-up appointments. Most pets are weight-bearing within a few weeks.
FHO treats severe hip dysplasia, femoral fractures, hip luxation, and avascular necrosis. It prevents ongoing joint pain and degeneration by eliminating the source of bone-on-bone contact. Physical rehabilitation after surgery helps build muscle support for the false joint.
Call (813) 373-5924 or visit 326 W. Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am–6pm.
Relieve your pet’s hip pain with FHO surgery in Tampa. Call (813) 373-5924 or visit 326 W. Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am–6pm.
