Bayside Animal Hospital

Femoral Head Excision

Hip problems are one of the biggest orthopedic worries in veterinary medicine. The femoral head excision surgery is done to remove the head of the femur (thighbone) in order to result in a functional and non-painful hip joint after healing occurs in your pet. Like the ACL (Cruciate) surgery, it is important to follow strict discharge guidelines when your pet undergoes this procedure.

If your pet had this procedure done:

Examine the incision at least twice a day. Like all other surgeries, incision sites can become infected and if there is any swelling, bleeding or discharge contact us as soon as possible.
Be sure to return for the staple/suture removal in 7-10 days. At this appointment, we discuss passive range of motion therapy for the hip. This is important for healing an recovery and even when your pet resists, it should be done at two separate times each day. Be careful, as this will be uncomfortable and painful to your pet but is vital in recovery.
Remove the pain patch when instructed to do so. They are on for five days, and should be removed and disposed of properly.
Be sure to give any medication as prescribed. Once the pain patch is removed, the oral pain tablets can be given. All antibiotics should be given from day one of recovery to ensure the best healing process for the incision.
Make sure to keep your pet restricted to short leash walks several times a day for the next 3 weeks. It is important for them to get exercise and movement, but instead of long walks twice a day, small walks throughout the day are best.
It is normal for your pet to hold up their leg for the next 2-3 weeks, as it will be painful. A gradual increase in the amount of weight carried by the leg is expected. Full return to use can be as long as 3-4 months, depending on your pet and their situation.

Like with all other surgeries, closely monitor your pets behavior and notify us if your pet stops eating, seems overly painful or has decreased dramatically in their activity level. With orthopedic surgeries, a gradual increase in activity level is expected. If absent, please contact us as soon as possible.