OFA Hip and PennHip Exams
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Canine Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint, but can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture. With cartilage damage or a hip joint that isn’t formed properly, over time the existing cartilage will lose its thickness and elasticity. This breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement.
No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. The severity of the disease can be affected by environmental factors, such as caloric intake or level of exercise. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs with barely any arthritic x-ray evidence that are severely lame.
Which is better? OFA Hip or PennHip?
The PennHip exam is a much better choice for breeders because the distraction index (a measure of hip laxity) that the PennHip measures is mathematical and objective, as opposed to the opinion of radiologists and can be performed on a puppy as young as 16 weeks old.
OFA Hip
Based on a subjective (opinion) grading system of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe.
Age requirements: 2 YEARS old.
Anesthesia usually required to the point of laxity.
One X-ray of the dog’s extreme flexed position.
Cost: $300 to $500.
PennHip
Based on an objective, physical measurement of distance (distraction index) between the two bones that make-up the hip joint.
Age requirements: 16 WEEKS old
Anesthesia required for complete laxity.
Three separate X-rays of the dog’s (1) extended (flexed) position, (2) compression, and (3) distraction using a specialized distraction device.
Cost: $500 to $600.