PennHip

Hip dysplasia is the medical term for a hip socket that doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper femoral head. This allows the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated. Most dogs with this problem are born with the condition, which deteriorates as it grows. It is the most frequent skeletal disease in growing dogs, especially medium to large breeds.  Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition. It could be a debilitating disease compromising the dog's physical capability and quality of life.  

Severe conditions have symptoms as early as a few months old.  A rocking gait or a bunny hopping gait when running, weak hindquarters, straight hocks, weight shifting towards the forelimbs.  Less severe cases have more subtle clinical signs and become more obvious as the degenerative changes are more severe in adulthood.  They are invariably less active, have reduced exercise tolerance, have a stiff gait, and sometimes have difficulty getting up.

One of our veterinarians is a certified Pennhip practitioner.The program was established at the University of Pennsylvania School of veterinary Medicine by Dr. Gail Smith in 1993.  The primary objective is to reduce the prevalence of hip dysplasia in dogs.

The dog is anesthetized.  Three radiographic views of the hips are taken.  Radiographs are submitted to the PennHIP for assessment.  A score called a distraction index was given.  Veterinarians must be trained members of the PennHIP Network to take radiographs for these assessments.  It was considered the most evidence-based radiographic method to diagnose hip dysplasia.   It is accurate in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age.

Early preventive and palliative measures can be recommended if the condition is diagnosed when the dog is young. Serious breeders can utilize this improvement program to select their breeding stocks.