What is a PennHIP evaluation?
At Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Christopher Tate offers PennHIP evaluations for dogs to help assess their risk of developing hip dysplasia. PennHIP is an advanced, evidence-based method of evaluating hip joint laxity and can help identify dogs that may be at increased risk for developing hip osteoarthritis at an early age. The evaluation uses specialized X-rays and measurements to provide a more precise assessment of hip health than traditional hip radiographs alone. PennHIP evaluations can be especially valuable for young dogs and breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, helping owners and breeders make informed decisions about their pet’s long-term orthopedic health. We are proud to be one of just a few veterinarians in the area that performs PennHIP.
What to expect at your dog's PennHIP evaluation
A PennHIP evaluation is done in a single visit. Because the hip muscles need to be fully relaxed for accurate measurements, your dog will be heavily sedated or placed under general anesthesia. Dr. Tate then takes a series of specialized X-rays of the hips, typically three views, including one that gently measures how loose each hip joint is.
The images are sent to PennHIP for analysis, and the report gives each hip a numeric laxity score. Once the results are back, we'll go over them with you and talk through what they mean for your dog's activity, weight and long-term joint care.
Is PennHIP right for your dog?
A PennHIP evaluation can be especially helpful if:
- You have a puppy from a breed prone to hip dysplasia and want answers early
- You are planning to breed your dog and want objective information about hip health
- You have a working, sporting or very active dog and want to plan their exercise and conditioning
- Your dog seems stiff, bunny-hops when running or is reluctant to jump
Knowing your dog's risk early gives you more options, from weight management and exercise choices to earlier treatment if it's needed.
Schedule a PennHIP evaluation
Call us at (952) 435-8387 to schedule your dog's PennHIP evaluation with Dr. Christopher Tate or to ask whether it's a good fit for your dog.
PennHIP - FAQ
How young can my dog be for a PennHIP evaluation?
PennHIP evaluations can be performed on puppies as young as 16 weeks of age. Testing early gives you useful information while your dog is still growing, so you can make decisions about exercise, weight management and breeding sooner. We're happy to help you decide on the best timing for your dog. Source: Antech Diagnostics (PennHIP)
Will my dog need to be sedated for PennHIP?
Yes. PennHIP requires heavy sedation or general anesthesia so the hip muscles are fully relaxed, which keeps your dog comfortable and safe and allows accurate measurements. Typically three X-ray views are taken during the evaluation: a compression view, a distraction view that measures hip laxity, and a standard hip-extended view. Source: Antech Diagnostics, PennHIP FAQ
How is PennHIP different from regular hip X-rays?
A standard hip X-ray is taken with the legs extended, which tightens the joint capsule, so looseness in the hip may not be visible. PennHIP uses stress radiography to measure how much the hip joint can actually move. That laxity measurement helps estimate your dog's risk of developing hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in the future. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
What does my dog's PennHIP score mean?
PennHIP reports a distraction index (DI) for each hip, a number that usually falls between 0 and 1. Lower numbers mean tighter hips: a DI below 0.30 is considered tight, while values closer to 1 are very loose. Higher DIs are linked with a greater risk of osteoarthritis. The score is a measure of risk, not a pass or fail grade. Source: Antech Diagnostics, Measuring Hip Joint Laxity
What signs of hip dysplasia should I watch for?
Signs include lameness that gets worse after exercise, a bunny-hopping gait, stiffness, reduced range of motion in the hips and pain when the joint is moved. Hip dysplasia is most common in large breeds, and rapid growth, exercise, nutrition and heredity all play a role. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
