When canine hip dysplasia was first described in the 1930s, it was thought to be a rare condition. Today we know it as the most common inherited joint problem of large breed dogs.
PennHIP is a radiographic screening method which assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. With this we can predict the onset of degenerative joint disease , which is the hallmark of hip dysplasia.
PennHIP testing is accurate in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age so we include this test as part of your puppy visit when breeding is a consideration. If your dog is at risk of developing canine hip dysplasia later in life, we can recommend preventive and palliative strategies to minimize pain and discomfort. We can do a PennHip analysis at the same time that you have your dog spayed or neutered since it will already be under anesthetic.
Dr. Dennett is a PennHIP certified veterinarian.