At Town N Country Animal Hospital, we want to offer you ther very best that veterinary medicine has to ofer. That’s why we offer PennHIP evaluations to our patients. PennHIP is the most accurate hip screening method available for evaluating Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD).
Canine Hip Dysplasia is the most commonly inherited orthopedic disease. CHD leads to hip arthritis causing pain, stiffness, and diminished quality of life. Canine Hip Dysplasia has no medical or surgical cure and afflicts more than 50% of dogs within some at risk breeds.
PennHIP can identify dogs that are susceptible to developing hip dysplasia as early as 16 weeks of age. This offers breeders the opportunity to make early decisions on breeding stock, and allows veterinarians to advise pet owners on lifestyle adjustments and preventative strategies to minimize the pain and progression of the disease.
The PennHIP screening approach includes a series of three x-rays: a hip extended x-ray, compression x-ray and distraction x-ray. Dr. Horn, our resident PennHIP certified veterinarian, oversees the imaging process and later submits all three x-rays to Antech Imaging Services for specialist evaluation.
A confidential report is then sent back to our practice that will include the distraction index (the amount of looseness in a joint) and evidence of arthritis. It will also give you a breed laxity profile ranking, comparing your dog to other dogs of the same breed.
This service and all the in depth information it provides used to only be available at teaching hospitals and specialty clinics. That’s why we’re so excited that our neighbors and clients, companion dog owners and breeders alike need look no further than their own backyard for the most accurate hip screening available.
