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Is FHO Safe for Puppies With Hip Dysplasia?

Is FHO Safe for Puppies With Hip Dysplasia?

Femoral Head Ostectomy

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Owners

Learn if FHO surgery is safe for puppies with hip dysplasia. Discover age factors, recovery tips, risks, and when it’s the right choice for young dogs

By 

Sustainable Vet Group

Updated on

July 28, 2025

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Is FHO Safe for Puppies With Hip Dysplasia?

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

Hip dysplasia is a condition where a puppy's hip joint does not form correctly. Instead of fitting smoothly, the ball and socket of the joint are loose or misaligned. Over time, this poor fit causes wear and tear, pain, and trouble moving.

In puppies, hip dysplasia usually starts during growth. Large and fast-growing breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop it. Genetics is a major cause, but diet, weight, and activity level can also affect how the hip forms.

As the puppy grows, the abnormal joint may lead to:

  • Stiffness when getting up or lying down
  • Trouble running, climbing, or jumping
  • Limping or bunny-hopping movements
  • Pain, especially after play

If untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and lifelong pain. Early diagnosis helps reduce long-term damage. That’s why it's important to understand this condition and get proper veterinary advice early.

What Is FHO and Why It’s Used in Puppies

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgery that removes the ball part of the hip joint to relieve pain. It is commonly used when other treatments like rest, medicine, or physical therapy do not work.

By removing the femoral head, FHO stops bone-on-bone contact, which is the main source of pain in hip dysplasia. The body then forms a false joint made of scar tissue and muscle, allowing the puppy to move freely without the original bone grinding inside the joint.

FHO is especially helpful for:

  • Puppies under 50 pounds
  • Medium-sized breeds
  • Cases where full hip replacement is not an option
  • Families seeking a lower-cost or lower-risk surgery

Because puppies heal quickly and adapt well, FHO often gives good long-term results when combined with proper recovery and exercise plans.

Is FHO Safe for Young Dogs?

FHO is generally considered safe and effective for young dogs with hip dysplasia. It’s not a full joint replacement, so the risk of complications is lower. Puppies have soft bones and flexible muscles, which help them adjust well after surgery. They usually form a strong false joint that supports normal movement without the pain of bone-on-bone contact.

The key to success is choosing the right puppy for FHO and ensuring the owner can support the recovery. Most puppies recover well and return to play, walks, and even light running after rehab. It’s a trusted option when total hip replacement is not available or suitable.

When FHO Is a Good Option for Puppies

FHO can be an excellent choice in many cases. It works best when:

  • The puppy has severe hip dysplasia that limits movement or causes pain
  • The dog is otherwise healthy with no other joint issues
  • Total Hip Replacement (THR) is not possible due to cost, age, or medical reasons
  • The owner is committed to post-op care, including rehab and exercise

In these cases, FHO gives young dogs a chance at a pain-free, active life. Early surgery often leads to better results since the muscles adapt quickly during growth.

When FHO Might Not Be Ideal

FHO is not suitable for every puppy. In some cases, the risks or limitations outweigh the benefits. FHO might not be the right choice when:

  • The puppy is a giant breed and expected to grow over 80 pounds
  • The growth plates are still open, making bone alignment unpredictable
  • Arthritis is already present in other joints, which can limit the benefits of FHO
  • The owner cannot provide the needed home care or follow through with rehab

In these situations, the false joint may not form well, and long-term comfort might be reduced. It’s important to talk with your vet about your dog’s growth, health, and your ability to support recovery before choosing FHO.

Pros of FHO Surgery in Puppies

FHO surgery offers several benefits for puppies dealing with hip dysplasia. Because puppies are still growing, their bodies adapt well after surgery, making recovery smoother and faster compared to adult dogs. The false joint that forms after FHO becomes strong enough to support daily movement without pain.

This procedure is also less invasive and lower risk than a full Total Hip Replacement (THR), making it a safer option for young dogs. It helps relieve pain early in life, allowing puppies to move freely, build muscle, and develop normally without discomfort slowing them down.

Key benefits include:

  • Early pain relief to support a better quality of life
  • Fast recovery and muscle rebuilding in growing dogs
  • High adaptability to forming a functional false joint
  • Lower cost and fewer risks compared to THR
  • Encourages healthy, natural movement during development

With proper care, puppies can lead happy, active lives after FHO.

Risks and Long-Term Considerations

While FHO is a safe and effective surgery for many puppies, there are some possible risks and long-term factors to keep in mind. These outcomes don’t happen in every case, but it’s helpful to understand them before making a decision.

Some puppies may develop a slight limb length difference, which can cause a mild limp. Others may have a reduced range of motion or mechanical-looking gait. These changes are usually minor and don’t affect daily life. If rehab is skipped, the dog might also experience mild muscle loss or stiffness.

Things to consider:

  • A visible limp or shortened leg may remain
  • Range of motion in the joint might be slightly reduced
  • Skipping rehab can lead to muscle weakness or slower healing
  • Larger breeds may have less predictable outcomes
  • Some dogs retain a mechanical gait, especially during fast movement

Most of these risks are manageable with good post-op care and exercise.

What Recovery Looks Like for Puppies

Recovery after FHO surgery in puppies is often smoother than in adult dogs. Puppies heal quickly and adjust well to their new joint. With the right care, most return to normal activities within a few months. Setting clear expectations can help you support their healing at every step.

Typical Recovery Timeline

The healing process moves fast in young dogs. Here's what you can expect:

  • 1–2 weeks: Puppies usually start putting weight on the leg
  • 3–4 weeks: They begin walking more comfortably and may show playful energy
  • 4–6 weeks: Controlled leash walks and light play return
  • 3–4 months: Most puppies regain full mobility with proper rehab

Throughout this timeline, your vet will guide activity levels. Early movement helps build strength, but it should be done in a safe, gentle way. Full recovery depends on both time and regular exercise, not just rest.

How Puppies Handle Rehab

Puppies are naturally active and curious, which helps them recover well with the right guidance. Rehab doesn’t have to be complicated. It can include:

  • Short leash walks that slowly build muscle strength
  • Toys and food-lure exercises to keep movement fun
  • Gentle massage or swimming for low-impact therapy
  • Playtime in safe, soft areas to encourage balance

Avoid high-impact activities like stairs, jumping, or rough play for 6–8 weeks. These movements can delay healing or cause discomfort. Keeping rehab short, positive, and regular helps your puppy regain confidence and build a strong, functional joint.

Will FHO Affect Puppy’s Future Growth?

FHO does not stop a puppy from growing normally if the surgery is done at the right stage. Most vets recommend waiting until the puppy is at least 6 to 8 months old, when key growth plates begin to close. This timing allows the bones to be more stable during and after surgery.

Before FHO, your vet should take X-rays to check how far along the growth plates are and whether the hip alignment is suitable for the procedure. This helps avoid issues like uneven growth or joint stress during development.

It’s possible that the operated leg may look or move slightly differently as your puppy matures. This may include minor leg length differences or slight changes in gait, but most dogs adapt well and stay active.

With good planning and follow-up care, FHO rarely causes long-term growth problems. Instead, it often allows better development by removing the source of pain and allowing healthy movement during key growth months.

Checklist: Is Your Puppy a Good Candidate for FHO?

If you’re considering FHO for your puppy, use this simple checklist to see if it’s a good fit. This surgery works best when both the medical and lifestyle conditions are right.

Your puppy may be a strong candidate if:

  • They’ve been diagnosed with hip dysplasia by a veterinarian
  • They are showing signs of pain, limping, or limited movement
  • Their adult weight will be under 50 pounds, as smaller dogs adjust better
  • They do not have other major health issues like heart or spine problems
  • You are prepared to support recovery, including rehab, home care, and vet checkups

These factors help ensure the best outcome. FHO can be life-changing when done at the right time and with the right support. Always discuss the full picture with your vet, including age, breed, lifestyle, and your ability to manage the recovery period.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose FHO for Your Puppy?

FHO can be a safe and effective option for puppies with hip dysplasia, especially when pain affects their daily life and other treatments have not helped. It works best in small to medium breeds and when done after 6–8 months of age. While it’s not a perfect solution, many puppies recover well and enjoy active, pain-free lives with the help of a strong rehab plan.

The key to success lies in choosing the right time for surgery and being ready to support recovery at home. With early movement, regular checkups, and gentle rehab, most puppies build strong muscles and adjust well to the new joint.

If your vet confirms your puppy is a good fit and you’re prepared for the healing process, FHO can offer long-term comfort and freedom of movement during their most important growing years.

FAQs About FHO and Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

What age is best for FHO surgery in puppies?

Most vets recommend FHO after a puppy is at least 6 to 8 months old. At this stage, the growth plates are more stable, and the risk of affecting future development is lower. Early surgery helps relieve pain and allows the puppy to grow and move comfortably during key development stages.

Can large breed puppies have FHO surgery?

FHO is usually better suited for small to medium dogs. Large breed puppies may not form a strong enough false joint to support their future weight. If the dog is expected to grow over 80 pounds, vets may suggest waiting or considering other options like Total Hip Replacement for more stable, long-term results.

Will my puppy walk normally after FHO?

Most puppies walk normally after FHO, especially with proper rehab. Some may have a slight limp or mechanical gait, but it often doesn’t affect daily activity. Early movement, guided exercise, and regular follow-ups help build strength and improve the way the dog walks over time.

Does FHO surgery stop hip dysplasia from getting worse?

Yes, FHO removes the painful joint surface, which stops the progression of hip dysplasia in that hip. It doesn’t fix the shape of the joint but removes the source of pain. As long as the other hip and joints stay healthy, FHO can offer lasting relief and better mobility.

Is rehab really needed after FHO surgery?

Yes, rehab is very important after FHO. It helps your puppy build muscle, regain full range of motion, and avoid stiffness. Rehab can include short walks, food-lure games, massage, and swimming. Without rehab, the leg may stay weak, and the recovery may take longer.

How long does it take a puppy to recover from FHO?

Most puppies begin using the leg within 1–2 weeks. Active play returns by 4–6 weeks, and full recovery often happens by 3–4 months. The speed of recovery depends on your puppy’s age, breed, and how closely you follow the rehab plan. Regular vet visits help track progress.

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