The University of Pennsylvania developed the test as a more objective approach to improve breeding program selection and decrease the prevalence of hip dysplasia. PennHIP is an assessment for the risk of development of hip dysplasia in dogs. *Please make sure to select multiple OFA forms if applicable when filling them out online

OFA submission forms may be filled out before your appointment and can be found here: If you have specific testing requiring veterinary assistance, please contact our office to inquire about whether we can accomplish these tests for your dog.įor more information, visit the OFA website: Other OFA and genetic screening tests may be appropriate for your breed. Aside from filling out OFA forms, no special preparation is required before the appointment. Aside from filling out OFA forms, no special preparation is required before the appointment.ĭentition evaluation is performed by determining if all teeth are present on physical exam in our hospital. Patellar luxation evaluation is performed as part of a physical exam at our hospital. We do not have a cardiologist, so advanced auscultation assessments, echocardiograms, and other requirements must be met at a cardiologist’s office or a local cardiology clinic. Sample interpretation at an approved OFA lab usually takes 2-4 weeks for results.Īuscultation of the heart by a general practitioner is available at our hospital. Fasting (not feeding) before the appointment can help to yield the best sample possible for submission.

Thyroid testing must be done when the dog is not in estrus if female.

Thyroid blood testing can be obtained for submission. Results are usually returned to the owner and our practice from the submission date in 2-4 weeks.Įven if your dog is expected to behave well for x-rays, we recommend fasting in case of need for any sedation arises. Preliminary OFA evaluations can be performed in younger dogs, after four months of age. Positioning is extremely important for OFA assessment, and hospitals with significant OFA positioning experience are best selected to achieve your dog’s best score possible.įinal scores can be obtained at two years or older for all breeds. The x-rays can be performed without sedation for some, while other stressed or strong animals may require sedation for optimal positioning. X-rays assess the presence of hip or elbow dysplasia in dogs via subjective scoring by boarded radiologists. Animal Medical Center of Richardson offers both PennHIP and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluations for canines.

Normal hip xray dog