Ourimbah Veterinary Hospital is certified to perform PennHIP radiographs. Dr Scott Tweedie has undertaken the training requirements necessary for this procedure, and we recommend PennHIP as the preferred technique for investigation and screening for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease, that causes hip arthritis, leading to pain, lameness and reduced quality of life. The main purpose of hip screening radiographs is to determine if animals will be suitable to breed with, however they can also be used for diagnosis in clinical conditions.

Traditional hip screening radiographs have utilised a standard extended hip view. This gives an overall score to decide if hip dysplasia is present and if the animal can be bred with.

A newer, more objective measurement has been develop call PennHIP which measures the degree of laxity or movement in the hip joint. Studies have shown that dogs with tighter hips (minimal laxity) are at lower risk to develop hip dysplasia compared to dogs with looser hips (increased laxity).

PennHIP has been shown to be the most accurate hip screening method.

PennHIP radiographs can be taken as early as 16 weeks of age to allow early detection of disease and determine if an animal will be suitable for breeding purposes.

The procedure involves a short general anaesthetic, and 3 views are taken:

Plaque can be controlled at home (see below), but the removal of calculus needs to be performed at a veterinary hospital. This requires a general anaesthetic in order to clean below the gum line, where the disease is occurring. Some of the dental services we offer at Ourimbah Veterinary Hospital include:

  • Standard extended view – this view is used to look for signs of arthritis

  • Compression view – this view is used to identify crucial landmarks within the hip and identify how well the hip fits within the acetabulum (socket part of the joint).

  • Distraction view – a special device is placed between the dogs hips to identify the maximal amount of laxity in the joint. This is where the Distraction Index (DI) is calculated.

Dr Tweedie has completed the in-depth training and quality control exercises required in order to become certified to perform the PennHIP procedure. A complete PennHIP evaluation includes a consultation, sedation/anaesthesia, radiographs using our digital radiology system and submission of the three PennHIP radiographs to the PennHIP Analysis Centre for evaluation.

Standard Hip and Elbow radiographs can also be taken and submitted at the same time if required.

Please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the procedure and cost with you.

For more information you can visit  www.pennhip.org

Best care for pets and people

(02) 4362 1644

Opening Hours

MON-FRI

8:30am - 7:00pm

SATURDAY

8:30am - 1:00pm

SUNDAY

Closed

Contact Info

TEL

(02) 4362 1644

EMAIL

info@ourimbahvet.com.au

ADDRESS

10 Pacific Highway,
Ourimbah NSW 2258

Message Us