Dr. Robert Fernand, DVM, PA
Practice Limited to Surgery
B.S. Johns Hopkins. DVM Iowa State Univ.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) Surgery for Dogs and Cats in South Florida
Over 17 years of surgical experience
FHO Surgery for Dogs and Cats in South Florida – A Solution for Hip Pain
If your pet suffers from severe hip pain due to hip dysplasia, arthritis, or a previous injury, Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery may be recommended. FHO is a procedure where the surgeon removes the head and neck of the femur (the “ball” of the hip joint), eliminating the painful bone-on-bone contact in the hip. Over time, a false joint of scar tissue forms, providing pain-free mobility. This surgery is often suggested for small to medium-sized dogs and cats, especially when other options (like total hip replacement) are not feasible or too costly. In layman’s terms, FHO takes out the damaged part of the hip so it no longer causes pain, allowing your pet to move around comfortably again. Dr. Fernand will walk you through why FHO might benefit your pet – common scenarios include a femoral head fracture from trauma or chronic hip dysplasia in a young dog that isn’t a candidate for hip replacement. The procedure can significantly improve quality of life, as many pets return to near-normal activity levels after recovery.
Expert Hip Surgery with a Gentle Touch
When you need dog hip surgery in South Florida or cat hip surgery, our team is here to help. Dr. Fernand has extensive experience with FHO surgeries and other hip procedures, ensuring that your pet’s operation is done with precision and care. We perform FHO at your regular vet’s clinic, so your pet stays in a familiar environment even while undergoing this advanced orthopedic surgery. We take every measure to control pain – from epidural anesthesia during the operation to effective pain medications and physical therapy guidance after. Because FHO recovery involves encouraging your pet to use the leg to build strength, Dr. Fernand will provide you with easy-to-follow exercises and tips to help your dog or cat regain muscle function. We treat each patient with compassionate, one-on-one attention, making sure they are comfortable from the moment anesthesia is administered to the final recheck when they’re walking on their improved hip. Pet owners often remark how accessible and reassuring it is to have direct contact with the surgeon – you can ask Dr. Fernand anything about post-op care, and he’ll be there to guide you.
Why Choose FHO for Your Pet?
- Relieves Pain: FHO removes the arthritic or injured hip joint source, greatly reducing pain for your pet when other treatments haven’t helped.
- Cost-Effective: It’s an affordable pet surgery solution compared to total hip replacement. We provide high-quality FHO surgery in South Florida at a fraction of the cost of specialty hospitals.
- High Success Rate: Most pets, especially cats and small dogs, do extremely well after FHO. Within a few months, many are running and jumping again comfortably.
Direct Surgeon Access: Dr. Fernand will be involved in every aspect, from initial consult to follow-ups, ensuring continuity of care. You’ll have the peace of mind of speaking directly with the surgeon who healed your pet.
Contact Dr. Fernand today to learn how his innovative approach can work for you.





