Bloodclots in Canines During FHO Surgery

FHO is short for femoral head ostectomey. The surgery is performed on dogs in order to stick their leg bones back into their hip sockets. Blood clots during this operation mean that the dog is going into shock.

  1. Considerations

    • Dogs with hip dysplasia often require FHO surgery in order to be able to walk normally, although some dogs still have mobility problems after surgery. Hip dysplasia happens mostly to large-breed dogs and may be a genetic condition.

    Causes

    • Blood clots develop in FHO surgery if the cause was injury rather than hip dysplasia. Another cause is complications from other health problems the dog may have, including cancer or a previously undiagnosed infection.

    Identification

    • The formation of clots at this time is called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Symptoms of DIC include sudden bleeding out of the nose, mouth and other bodily orifices, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

    Significance

    • Blood clots block the flow of blood to vital organs of the body. The blood carries oxygen, so a blood clot during surgery can be fatal. If a clot occurs, the vet will administer intravenous anticoagulant medications. If the dog has trouble breathing, it will require extra oxygen.