How Hip Dysplasia Affects Pets
Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition in dogs, particularly in larger breeds. At Edinburgh Animal Hospital, we offer OFA radiographs and PennHIP analysis to assess the health of your dog’s hip joints and identify the risk of developing hip dysplasia. These evaluations are not only important for your dog’s health but also essential for those interested in breeding.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Over time, this can affect your dog’s mobility and quality of life. Early detection through hip dysplasia evaluations helps ensure that your dog’s condition is properly managed and that preventative measures are taken before significant issues arise.
OFA Radiographs To Assess Hip Joint Health
As certified veterinarians, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Price are fully equipped to perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) radiographs. This test involves taking X-rays of your dog’s hips to evaluate the joint structure and determine the risk of hip dysplasia. The OFA evaluation helps assess whether a dog is suitable for breeding and is commonly required for purebred dogs to ensure healthy offspring.
PennHIP Analysis for a More Advanced Approach
We also provide PennHIP (Veterinary Orthopedic Society’s Hip Improvement Program) analysis, a more advanced method for evaluating hip joint health. Unlike traditional X-rays, PennHIP measures the laxity (looseness) of the hip joint, which is a key indicator of the risk for developing hip dysplasia later in life. PennHIP is known to be more accurate at predicting the likelihood of hip dysplasia, even in puppies as young as 16 weeks old.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
If you are concerned about hip dysplasia or would like to have your dog evaluated for breeding suitability, contact us today to schedule an appointment for OFA radiographs or PennHIP analysis. We’re here to help keep your dog healthy and pain-free.
For additional information on OFA evaluations, visit OFA's official website, and for details about PennHIP analysis, visit PennHIP's official page.
