A femoral head resection is the removal of the “ball” part of the ball-and-socket mechanism that makes up the hip joint. Once the ball is removed, the bones of the joint are no longer in contact, which eliminates the pain that is caused by the abnormal contact of bones. Once the femoral head and neck are removed, the surrounding muscles and developing scar tissue work to support the area, performing as a false joint. Then, when the limb is moved, the forces are transferred to the pelvis rather than the leg itself.

Post-Surgery Care:

To ensure a safe recovery, it is best that your pet is kept inside overnight; somewhere warm and quiet. They may need to be confined to either a crate or sectioned off to a smaller area of the house (e.g. laundry or bathroom).

You will need to check the wound daily and bathe it in a weak salt solution if it is messy or crusty. A small amount of swelling around the wound may be expected. You can relieve this by applying light pressure to the area with an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

If the surgery site becomes red or weepy, or your pet is licking at the area and seems uncomfortable, please bring them in for a check-up, as these signs may indicate an infection. Lead walking for short distances from the day after the operation is encouraged.

We will need to see your pet back in 10-14 days to check the surgery site and to remove the sutures. Do not bathe your pet or allow them to go swimming until two days after the sutures are removed. Once the sutures are removed, you can slowly begin to increase exercise with gentle lead walking.

For the first four weeks avoid any rough and tumble, retrieving and jumping. By eight to twelve weeks your pet should be walking fairly normally. If they are still lame at twelve weeks or suddenly favouring a leg at any time, they should revisit for a check-up.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 9274 1845.