PennHip Testing

PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) testing is a method for evaluating the risk of hip dysplasia in dogs, particularly for breeds that are more prone to this condition. Unlike traditional hip scoring systems, such as the OFAs (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), the PennHIP test is considered more accurate because it is based on the dog's hip laxity or the looseness of the hip joint. Hip laxity is a key factor in determining whether a dog might develop hip dysplasia later in life.

At Southern Vermont Golden Retrievers we have chosen to focus our testing efforts on PennHip evaluations with this being a more accurate predictor of potential problems later in life.

OFA looks at the dog’s hips as they appear on an X-ray to assign a grade (e.g., excellent, good, fair, dysplastic). The PennHIP method focuses more on the risk of developing hip dysplasia, based on how loose the joint is, which can sometimes identify risks before visible signs appear.
By identifying dogs with high hip laxity early, breeders can make more informed decisions and help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in future generations.
The PennHIP method is considered more predictive of future hip dysplasia than other systems because it focuses on laxity, which is the primary cause of the disease.
PennHIP testing can be done as early as 16 weeks of age, but it's typically recommended when the dog is older (around 1 year) for a more accurate assessment.
The key measurement in PennHIP testing is the Distraction Index (DI). This is a numerical value that represents the amount of hip joint laxity. A higher DI indicates more joint looseness and a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia, while a lower DI suggests a more stable hip