PennHIP

PennHIP is an assessment for the risk of development of hip dysplasia in dogs. The University of Pennsylvania developed the test as a more objective approach to improve breeding program selection and decrease the prevalence of hip dysplasia.

The main difference between OFA Hip scoring and PennHIP scoring is that PennHIP will generate a number that can be compared objectively between others of the same breed rather than a subjective pass/fail scoring system. Tighter hip measurements are the best predictor of future dysplasia for young dogs, rather than just the current presence/absence of hip disease at two years old. Some breed club requirements request one test or the other, so it is important to review what is currently accepted by your club and its members for
testing your breed. Please visit your breed club website or OFA/CHIC websites for details regarding individual breed requirements. Both tests may be performed for those who wish to have maximum information about their program.

For PennHIP, dogs as young as 16 weeks old can be assessed and receive a distraction index (DI) measurement representing their risk for dysplasia throughout life. In contrast, final scores for OFA are not considered complete until the dog is at least two years old. For this reason, many breeders and owners opt for PennHIP to better assess at a young age, when making decisions about which puppy would be a good candidate to retain in a breeding program.

PennHIP testing requires sedation or general anesthesia to allow the dog to be relaxed for proper laxity measurements. The sedation used for routine PennHIP testing at our hospital is reversible, and patients leave immediately following their appointment for x-rays. Three types of x-rays are involved, and submission is performed directly from our hospital. Results usually are returned within one week of your PennHIP appointment.

In addition to applications for breeding dogs, PennHIP scores are utilized by the working and sport dog communities to understand better which dogs can work or perform at their best. Investments in these types of canine occupations can be significant, so dogs with minimal hip dysplasia risk based on PennHIP scores are sometimes selected before training investments are made.

It is possible to do both PennHIP and OFA Hip evaluations in the same appointment. The first x-ray taken for PennHIP is identical to the OFA film positioning, so it is a simple process to cross-submit if the owner is interested in both testing modalities. In addition, OFA elbows can be added in the case of dogs requiring hip and elbow testing, but the breed association prefers PennHIP. See above for information on the paperwork necessary to prepare for your appointment.

If planning an appointment for PennHIP for your dog, please bring any registration documents (AKC, UKC, etc.) that you would like to associate with your dog’s scores. A microchip is required; If this dog does not yet have a microchip, one can be placed at the time of the appointment. Please do not feed your dog before his or her appointment due to sedation, which is required for this procedure.

For more information, visit the PennHIP website:

https://antechimagingservices.com/antechweb/pennhip

Or click to download the brochure.