How Do Veterinarians Check for Hip Dysplasia? – Copper Hill Animal Clinic

Previously we learned how the hip joint works and what happens when a dog has hip dysplasia. But how does a veterinarian know if a dog has a problem with its hips?
Hip dysplasia can develop because of a dog’s genes, its environment, or a combination of both. Veterinarians have several ways to check a dog’s hips.
For young dogs, a veterinarian may perform a test called the Ortolani test. During this test, the veterinarian gently moves the dog’s hip to check for looseness. However, this test is not always accurate.
X-rays are another important tool. X-rays can be used to screen any dog, not just dogs that will be used for breeding or work. Some owners choose to have their dog’s hips X-rayed when the dog is spayed or neutered. Dogs need to be sedated so they can remain still and be positioned correctly, so neutering is a useful moment to also take sedated x-rays.
One common method is an OFA evaluation. OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Special positioning is required for the X-rays. The images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, who helps determine a hip score. OFA certification is available for dogs that are at least 24 months old.
Another method is PennHIP. This technique uses special X-rays to measure how much looseness, or laxity, is present in the hip joint. The measurements provide an objective way to evaluate the hips. PennHIP can be performed as early as four months of age and requires sedation. Only specially trained and certified veterinarians can perform the test. For purebred dogs, PennHIP results can also be compared with information from other dogs of the same breed. This can help veterinarians better understand a dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia.
At Copper Hill Animal Clinic, we are proud to announce that we are a Pennhip certified facility. Please reach out if you have further questions about hip evaluation in your dog.