You may be wondering how the dog can sit or walk after their femoral head osteotomy (FHO) without the firm contact of the femoral head in the socket.
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| Image: enpevet Ltd |
This can lead to overcompensation so it is essential that physical therapy be started very soon after surgery to help the formation of a “false” fibrous joint.
This is facilitated through early range of motion and weight bearing exercises.
The “empty” space fills in with soft connective scar tissue to form a new “pseudo” joint, which forms according to stimulation and stresses put onto it (Wolf’s Law) such as range of motion and weight shifting activities.
The veterinarian and physical therapist can show the dog owner how to do some home exercises, along with scheduled rehab sessions.
This can start immediately after surgery or 10-14 days after surgery when the sutures are removed, depending upon the surgeon’s protocol.
If you choose to wait 2-3 months after surgery to “see how it goes” before deciding whether to try PT, it will be too late to maximize the formation of the fibrous tissue.
Along with early physical therapy exercises, you can apply moist warm heat packs to the hip to help bring blood flow into the region.
Be sure to place a thin towel over the shaved area first, then the heat pack on top, to avoid burns. The temperature should be warm, not hot.
Plan for a quiet homecoming after surgery, especially if there are other pets in the house.
Place carpets or non-skid runners over tile or wood floors to avoid your dog slipping.
Pillows can be placed in several locations on the floor where your dog normally likes to sit, to help them ease to and from the sitting position.
Avoid the use of stairs initially and use a leash with collar or harness for the stairs when the vet tells you to resume.
Contact your vet for adequate medication for pain and inflammation, to allow your dog to handle the early exercises needed to maximize the formation of the “false” joint.
This new “pseudo” joint will not have the stability of a normal hip and running, jumping and hard playing may become somewhat limited.
But you can expect your dog to resume walking with near-to full weight borne on the limb, for fair to good distances, and to enjoy a comfortable high quality of life.
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Susan E. Davis (Sue) is a licensed Physical Therapist with over 30 years of practice in the human field, who transitioned into the animal world after taking courses at the UT Canine Rehabilitation program. She is located in Red Bank, New Jersey.She has been providing PT services to dogs and other animals through her entity Joycare Onsite, LLC in pet’s homes and in vet clinics since 2008.
She also provides pro bono services each week to a shelter and sanctuary for neglected and abused animals. Sue is the proud “dog mommy” to Penelope, a miniature Dachshund with “attitude”. For more information see her website www.joycareonsite.com , or follow on Twitter @animalPTsue.
Femoral Head and Neck Excision
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