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My dog's FHO incision is infected. Will it heal? What's the popping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 9 months old | 90 lbs

My dog was hit by a car which shattered her pelvis. Two weeks ago a vet at University of Tennessee performed a FHO and repaired her pelvis with a metal plate. about a week ago the incision became infected and created two inch in diameter holes and the stitches under the skin came loose and I can see half to three quarters of an inch deep. Our local vet says it will heal by secondary intention. Will it actually heal and how long will it take? I hear loud popping noise while walking her also.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2018

Yes it will heal if you keep the area clean. Gradually over a week or so the skin edges will get closer together and finally heal over. The popping noise may be the movement in the hip area since there hasn’t been time yet for a false joint to form. Over time the hip area will form scar tissue to support the femur in the hip area. If you’re concerned I certainly would take her back for a recheck to make sure there isn’t a problem with she surgical implants. Once the pelvis is healed and you are able to increase her exercise I recommend an evaluation and treatment program with a Rehabilitation veterinarian to get her leg back to as normal as possible. They will give you exercises and may recommend hydrotherapy to strengthen her leg muscles. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sadie.

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