PennHIP
PennHIP is a specialized program used to assess the likelihood of a dog developing canine hip dysplasia, one of the most common orthopedic diseases seen in dogs.
It is considered one of the most accurate screening methods for hip dysplasia. It can identify—as early as 16 weeks of age—dogs that are susceptible to developing hip dysplasia.
This allows veterinarians to advise pet owners on lifestyle adjustments and preventive strategies to minimize the pain and progression of the disease and offers breeders the opportunity to make early decisions on breeding stock.
THE PennHIP PROCEDURE
There are two principal innovations in the PennHIP method.
First, the dog is positioned on the x-ray table with hips in a neutral orientation, and second, a custom distraction device is applied to reveal the maximum amount of hip laxity.
To achieve this, the dog’s muscles are completely relaxed by administering sedation or general anesthesia. Radiographs are submitted to the USA to be added to the database where mathematical analyses can be performed to determine a Distraction Index (DI) score.
DISTRACTION INDEX
This distraction index score is valued between 0 and 1 and determines how loose the hips are. The closer to 0, the tighter the hips and the less likely the dog will develop hip dysplasia. The closer to 1, indicates a high degree of laxity.
For example, DI of 0.5 means that there is a 50% chance of the femur’s ball structure exiting the hip joint’s socket. DI of 0.75 means there is a 75% chance of the femur’s ball structure exiting the hip joint’s socket.
ARTHRITIS
The report will note any findings of existing arthritis within the joints
BREED LAXITY PROFILE RANKING
Determines how your dog compares against other dogs of this breed. For example, breeders may choose to use dogs that fall within the right half of the population.
Veterinarians must complete specialized training and quality-control exercises before becoming certified to perform the PennHIP procedure. There are only around 3000 veterinarians worldwide trained to perform the PennHIP method. Dr Ali Ashrafi is one of them.
A complete PennHIP evaluation includes consultation, sedation/anesthesia, and submission of the three PennHIP radiographs to
ANTECH Imaging Services for evaluation. Your certified PennHIP veterinarian will be happy to discuss the procedure and cost with you.
AIS PennHIP Certificate Dr. Ali Ashrafi
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