PennHIP

PennHIP stands for the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program.

What is PennHIP? 

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The pennhip method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia (chd).

AVHCC is certified to perform pennhip radiographs. This is a way to determine if your dog has hip dysplasia, earlier in life than traditional ofa processes. By catching the disease earlier in life, we can a offer surgical process that has a good chance of correcting the condition, a procedure called juvenile pelvic symphysiodesis, or "jps". 
The Problem:
Canine Hip Dysplasia

~ It is  the most commonly inherited orthopedic disease

~ Afflicts more than 50% of dogs within some breeds

~ Leads to hip arthritis causing pain, stiffness, and a diminished quality of life

~ Affects large breed dogs more severely than smaller breed dogs

~ Has no medical or surgical cure

The Solution:

1. Early, accurate hip screening by a local pennhip veterinarian, specially trained and certified to perform the pennhip procedure.

2. Benefits of pennhip interpretation

         a. For breeding dogs - breed those with tightest hips

         b. For CHD-susceptible pet dogs - you pennhip veterinarian can prescribe palliative measures.

If you are purchasing a dog from a breeder, be sure to ask them if any of their dogs have had hip dysplasia.   Ask if their dogs are pennhip certified.

For more information about pennhip you can visit www.pennhip.org or you can call our office and we would be happy to send you information about PennHIP.