Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) Surgery in Cats

What It Is, Why It's Needed, What to Expect, and How We Support You

Why Might Your Pet Need This Surgery?

A Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure to remove the head and neck of the femur (thigh bone). This eliminates bone-on-bone contact within the hip joint and relieves pain caused by:

  • Hip fractures or dislocation that cannot be repaired
  • Severe hip dysplasia or arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the femoral head)
  • Birth defects or traumatic injury to the hip joint

FHO is performed most often in cats and small dogs, where a "false joint" of soft tissue can form post-operatively, allowing for good long-term function.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation Requirements

Good Samaritan Pet Doctor functions as a surgical center. For this procedure, a diagnostic evaluation must be completed by your pet's primary care or emergency veterinarian prior to scheduling surgery with us.

Our role begins once surgery has been recommended. We do not provide in-clinic diagnostic workups, imaging, or pre-surgical consultations for this condition.

This ensures:

  • An accurate diagnosis
  • Appropriate imaging or laboratory testing when indicated
  • Medical stability for anesthesia
  • A full discussion of treatment options with the veterinarian managing your pet's ongoing care
  • Safe and efficient surgical planning

Sometimes this information comes in the form of a formal veterinary referral. Other times, an owner contacts us directly after their veterinarian has recommended surgery. In either case, we require:

  • Relevant medical records
  • Diagnostic results confirming the condition
  • A documented recommendation for surgery
  • Direct communication with your rDVM if clarification is needed

Our team reviews all records prior to scheduling. If your pet has not yet been evaluated for this condition, please schedule with your primary veterinarian first.

Once surgery has been advised, we are here to provide focused, compassionate, and efficient surgical care.

What Does the Surgery Involve?

FHO surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The head and neck of the femur are surgically removed, and the muscles of the hip and thigh support the formation of a functional false joint during recovery.

Cats typically recover well, especially with a structured post-op rehab plan and pain management.

Are There Alternatives?

Total hip replacement may be offered in some settings, but it is generally not recommended for small patients like cats. Some fractures can be repaired with surgical implants placed by an orthopedic specialist. Dislocations can sometimes be reduced and splinted with an orthopedic specialist. Pain medications, rest, and joint supplements may help in early disease, but FHO is the preferred option when pain or instability is severe or chronic and cannot be treated in other ways.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Elimination of pain from bone-on-bone contact
  • Improved limb function and mobility over time
  • Good long-term comfort and recovery in cats
  • Avoids need for advanced joint reconstruction

What Are the Risks?

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Post-operative pain or temporary lameness
  • Muscle atrophy or slower return to function
  • Infection or wound complications
  • Need for extended physical therapy

What's Included in Our Surgical Care

Surgery Package: $1,287.00

Price includes:

  • A personalized anesthesia plan with multimodal pain control
  • IV catheter placement and fluids
  • Anesthesia and multiparameter monitoring
  • FHO surgery including femoral head removal
  • Post-op stabilization and in-clinic recovery
  • Take-home medications (pain control and antibiotics)
  • Discharge instructions and recovery plan

When Additional Care Is Needed

In some cases, pets require more intensive or ongoing care after surgery. Because we are an outpatient only clinic, transfer to an overnight hospital may be recommended.

Pets may need overnight care, especially if:

  • They are very young, old, or systemically sick
  • They need 24-hour IV medications, stabilization, or intensive monitoring

If this happens, we will coordinate a transfer to an emergency or specialty facility, and any costs associated with that transfer and continued care will be the owner's responsibility.

Aftercare: What to Expect at Home

Your pet will go home with:

  • Prescription medications for pain and infection control
  • Instructions for activity restriction and wound care
  • Details on when to return for recheck or suture removal

Most pets start to feel better quickly once the source of pain is removed, but healing takes time. We're here to help every step of the way.

Have Questions?

Please reach out to our team. We are happy to review records, coordinate with your veterinarian, and guide you through this process.