Logo Vet CentrePennHIP Evaluation of Canine Hip Dysplasia

This crippling condition is a major problem for most large breed dogs as well as a good number of smaller breeds.
 
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in dogs is the most common heritable orthopaedic condition. It usually results in reduced quality of life and a reduced lifespan for the dog and costly treatment for the owner. If you’re planning to breed your dog, especially a large breed, evaluation of the predicted risk of hip dysplasia is imperative.
 
Stuart Burrough has been trained in the USA in the PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) method of evaluation. This advanced technique allows an earlier, more accurate prediction of the likelihood of osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD),the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia.
 
PennHIP is superior to the currently used NZVA/NZKC Hip Dysplasia Assessment Scheme. The evaluation involves special positioning of the hips and consists of three separate radiographs which essentially show the degree of laxity of the hip ball in its socket, this is known as the Distraction Index (DI).
 
PennHIP.jpgThese radiographs are then sent to the PennHIP analysis center where they are evaluated by computer and by radiologists and then compared against an ever-expanding database of radiographs from thousands of dogs worldwide.
 
Once your dog’s evaluation is complete, you’ll receive a Distraction Index (DI) for each hip as well as the predicted risk of CHD development and a ranking within your dog’s breed (e.g your dog may be in the top 10% for its breed). We recommend that only dogs in the upper 50% of any breed should be used for breeding, thereby improving genetics for future generations.