Therapeutic Dog Swimming: A Key to Recovery After FHO Surgery
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure commonly performed on dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, fractures, or severe arthritis. This operation involves removing the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint), allowing the body to form a false joint. While FHO can relieve pain and improve mobility, proper rehabilitation is essential for the best outcomes. Therapeutic dog swimming plays a crucial role in both pre- and post-surgical recovery, helping dogs regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
The Role of Swimming Before FHO Surgery
For dogs scheduled for FHO surgery, maintaining muscle strength and joint flexibility before the procedure can improve recovery outcomes. Pre-surgical swimming benefits dogs by:
Strengthening Muscles – Keeping the surrounding muscles strong helps support the hip joint and prevents muscle atrophy during the post-operative healing period.
Reducing Joint Strain – Hydrotherapy allows dogs to exercise without putting stress on the injured hip, preventing further damage before surgery.
Enhancing Circulation – Increased blood flow to the hip area reduces inflammation and promotes healing, preparing the body for a smoother surgical recovery.
Boosting Mental Well-Being – Dogs with hip pain often experience frustration due to limited mobility. Swimming provides a safe, enjoyable outlet for movement and energy release.
How Swimming Aids Post-Surgical Recovery
After FHO surgery, a dog’s body must adjust to the absence of the femoral head. The goal of rehabilitation is to encourage proper movement patterns and build muscle strength to compensate for the altered hip structure. Therapeutic swimming is one of the most effective rehabilitation tools, offering the following benefits:
1. Pain-Free Movement
The buoyancy of water eliminates weight-bearing stress on the healing hip, allowing dogs to exercise without discomfort. This promotes early movement, which is crucial for recovery.
2. Muscle Strengthening
Since the femoral head is removed, surrounding muscles must take on additional support. Swimming provides gentle resistance, helping to strengthen these muscles without excessive strain.
3. Improved Range of Motion
Many dogs experience stiffness after FHO surgery. Water therapy encourages joint movement in a controlled, pain-free manner, restoring flexibility over time.
4. Preventing Muscle Atrophy
Limited movement post-surgery can cause muscle wasting. Hydrotherapy ensures continued muscle engagement, preventing atrophy and speeding up recovery.
5. Boosting Confidence and Coordination
Dogs often hesitate to use the affected leg after surgery. Water therapy supports their weight, helping them rebuild confidence in movement and ensuring balanced gait development.
When to Start Swimming After FHO Surgery
The ideal time to begin hydrotherapy depends on the dog's healing progress and the veterinarian’s guidance. In most cases:
Initial rest and healing (Weeks 1-2): Focus is on pain management and limited movement.
Early rehabilitation (Weeks 3-4): Gentle range-of-motion exercises and short hydrotherapy sessions may begin.
Strength-building phase (Weeks 5+): Regular swimming sessions help rebuild muscle strength and coordination.
Always follow veterinary recommendations before starting hydrotherapy post-surgery.
Choosing the Right Hydrotherapy Program
For effective FHO rehabilitation, look for:
Experienced canine hydrotherapists trained in post-surgical recovery.
Temperature-controlled pools designed for therapeutic purposes.
Customized treatment plans tailored to the dog’s specific needs and progress.
Therapeutic swimming is an invaluable tool for dogs undergoing FHO surgery, offering pain relief, muscle strengthening, and improved mobility. Whether used as pre-surgical conditioning or post-operative rehabilitation, hydrotherapy accelerates recovery and enhances a dog’s quality of life. If your dog is facing FHO surgery, consider incorporating swimming into their recovery plan—it can make all the difference in their journey back to an active, happy life.