Canine Hip Dysplasia - Early Detection Is Key

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the most common inherited orthopedic disease in dogs. It can be characterized as a progressive, degenerative, developmental condition that often leads to osteoarthritis of the hip joints. And although it can be apparent at an early age, it can also be completely masked until your dog gets older. 

Hip dysplasia is a disease that stems from a varying degree of laxity of the hip joint, permitting subluxation (partial dislocation) during movement. The research-based hip-screening procedure known as AIS Penn HIP has proven to be the most accurate and precise method to measure hip joint laxity. 

What is Penn Hip Detection?

Penn HIP are specialized radiographs, performed in puppies as early as 16 weeks of age, that determine an objective measurement of hip joint laxity referred to as the “distraction index or DI”. AIS Penn Hip is a painless procedure, is the most accurate in the detection of Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), and has no affect whatsoever on the dog's hips. If hip joint laxity is present, a surgery can be performed by a certified veterinarian prior to 20 weeks of age called Juvenile Pubic Symphsiodesis (JPS). This surgery can result in a significant decrease in the risk of hip dysplasia and subsequent osteoarthritis later in life.
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​If you have a puppy, or you are thinking of getting a puppy, that is between 16-20 weeks, consider PennHip and JPS as potentially life changing procedure. This surgery can be scheduled at our animal hospital with any other procedure that requires anesthesia including dental cleanings.

How does Penn Hip benefit the dog and their owner?

Knowing if your dog is susceptible to osteoarthritis and hip laxity is invaluable to be able to help him live his life to the fullest ability, whether the dog's intended purpose is for breeding, for working, or as a family pet. 

All 4 of our veterinarians have passed a rigorous certification process to become Penn Hip certified. Our vets will be able to partner with breeders, trainers and dog owners, evaluate their pets, and help them with a lifelong program to help delay and prevent the onset of CHD. 

​Dr. Rick Wall is happy to discuss hip dysplasia, PennHIP and JPS with you. Please call our specialty veterinary clinic in The Woodlands at 281-298-5509, or make an appointment for a consultation by using our online scheduler.