PennHIP and OFA
At Vanguard Veterinary Hospital, we offer both PennHIP and OFA radiographs/testing. Both methods are designed to assess hip dysplasia. In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause lameness and arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. It is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds, and is the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips.
AIS PennHIP is the most accurate science-based hip-screening used to assess a dog's risk for developing Canine Hip Dysplasia. The PennHIP procedure is recommended as a preventive screening tool for canine patients and for those dogs that are or will be included in a breeding program, as well as, working/service dogs. This procedure has distinct advantages over other popular screening methods because it can be done for patients as young as 16 weeks of age. For more detailed information about PennHIP, please visit the PennHIP website.
OFA is a non-profit foundation database that aims to reduce the incidence of genetic disease. OFA radiographs help to diagnose dogs with abnormal or dyplastic hips. OFA certifications are available for hip and elbow joints once a dog has reached 2 years of age. Preliminary OFA evaluations can be done as early as 1 year of age. For more detailed information about OFA, please visit the OFA website.
For both PennHIP and OFA hip radiographs, pets are sedated for a short period of time to obtain the radiograph views required for assessment. Once the procedure is completed the sedation is reversed with medications.
AIS PennHIP is the most accurate science-based hip-screening used to assess a dog's risk for developing Canine Hip Dysplasia. The PennHIP procedure is recommended as a preventive screening tool for canine patients and for those dogs that are or will be included in a breeding program, as well as, working/service dogs. This procedure has distinct advantages over other popular screening methods because it can be done for patients as young as 16 weeks of age. For more detailed information about PennHIP, please visit the PennHIP website.
OFA is a non-profit foundation database that aims to reduce the incidence of genetic disease. OFA radiographs help to diagnose dogs with abnormal or dyplastic hips. OFA certifications are available for hip and elbow joints once a dog has reached 2 years of age. Preliminary OFA evaluations can be done as early as 1 year of age. For more detailed information about OFA, please visit the OFA website.
For both PennHIP and OFA hip radiographs, pets are sedated for a short period of time to obtain the radiograph views required for assessment. Once the procedure is completed the sedation is reversed with medications.
