Young Rescue Dog With a Re-Broken Hip: FHO or Total Hip Replacement?

For a hip that has healed badly and broken again, both femoral head ostectomy (FHO, removing the ball of the femur) and total hip replacement (THR) can work, and the choice depends on Oreo's size, the shape of the bones and your budget. FHO tends to give the best results in smaller, lighter dogs, while THR usually gives more normal function, especially in bigger dogs, but costs more and is done by specialist surgeons.

At 9 months Oreo is close to the age when THR becomes possible, since it is done in skeletally mature dogs, usually from about a year. Ask your vet whether Oreo is big enough that THR would make a real difference, or whether FHO with good physical therapy is likely to give Oreo a comfortable, active life. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon can help you decide.

See dog hip surgery.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.