Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening – Genetic Testing
Thank you for your interest in an OFA Elbow/OFA Hip/PennHIP exam at Allegheny Veterinary Service. Our veterinarians support that the OFA and PennHIP exams offer valuable information regarding canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia for the future of your dog and/or your breeding program. Below is some information on the requirements of each exam and what to expect with the examination process. In addition, we have included information for various genetic testing based on breed.
PennHIP Exam
This assessment is highly regarded as the most accurate and is the current gold standard to predict the onset of canine hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis of the hip (coxofemoral) joint.
This test involves a series of x-rays used to measure laxity of the hip joints according to the distraction index (DI). The test procedure follows strict scientific protocol and has been peer-reviewed and well-researched. All measurements are based on precision calculations and objective observations. All veterinarians participating in the PennHIP program must be specially trained and certified to follow protocol and ensure data accuracy.
Minimum Age: Patients must be at least 16 weeks old to be evaluated.
Estrus/Heat: Estrus or heat cycle does not affect PennHip measurements. Therefore, PennHip evaluation may be conducted at any time during the cycle.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Hormones associated with pregnancy and lactation may affect PennHIP measurements. Therefore, PennHIP evaluation should be delayed at least 8 weeks post lactation or 16 weeks post whelping.
Results
• Results are generally available within 5-7 days.
• You will receive a written report from PennHIP with your pet’s results and breed comparisons.
Learn more about PennHIP Testing
OFA Hip and/or Elbow
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a voluntary program established to evaluate images and identify those showing no evidence of dysplasia or other orthopedic problems. Images are reviewed by qualified veterinary radiologists.
Minimum Age: To qualify for an OFA hip number, dogs must be 24 months of age, to the day, or older at the time of imaging.
• Dogs 12-24 months of age are eligible for a preliminary consultation if the owner initials the authorization block to release all results (including abnormal results) when the application is initially submitted.
Estrus/Heat: Females should not be imaged within 3-4 weeks before and after heat. Hormones present during these periods may adversely affect the results of the evaluation.
Pregnancy/Lactation: Females should not be imaged within 3-4 weeks after weaning a litter of pups. Hormones present during this period may adversely affect the results of the evaluation.
Results
• Results are generally available in 2-3 weeks.
• You will receive a written report from OFA that includes grading with prognosis.
Learn more about OFA
Other Genetic Testing
There are several other genetic tests and health screenings available. Specific recommendations will depend on the breed. We are happy to discuss questions and further recommendations for genetic testing at the time of the exam. The following websites serve as excellent resources for further testing:
OFA CHIC (Canine Health Information Center)
UCDavis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
What to Expect
• To ensure adequate relaxation for the procedure and the best images, sedation is REQUIRED.
• This procedure is scheduled during our designated surgical procedure times (not during appointment hours). Your pet will be scheduled for a hospital day admission appointment on the morning of the procedure.
• The entire procedure, including sedation, image acquisition, and recovery will take approximately 2-3 hours. Your pet will generally be awake and ready to return home by the end of the day.
• Images are acquired using our high-definition digital x-ray system. Once acquired, images are submitted to the appropriate organization for review. In rare cases, the patient may need to return for additional images. Should this occur, the cost of additional sedation and repeated imaging is included in the original fees. Evaluation results of the images are generally available in two to three weeks.
• Copies of images may be provided to you on the day of the procedure via a USB or email link.
• Please contact us for a complete estimate of the entire procedure.
How to Prepare
• Schedule an appointment. Indicate whether you request OFA Elbows, OFA Hip, Penn HIP, or other genetic testing.
• Do not feed your pet after 9 PM on the night before the procedure. Access to water is allowed until the morning of the procedure.
• The dog must be permanently identified via a microchip or tattoo. An ISO-compliant microchip may be implanted on the day of the procedure. Previously implanted microchips will be scanned and confirmed by our staff.
• A copy of the registration certificate must be provided.
• Complete the expedited registration form below.
Expedited Registration
Complete the PennHIP/OFA/Genetic Testing Form to help expedite registration.
Contact Allegheny Veterinary Service
Our hospital is located at 1605 Parsons Road, Old US 219 North of Elkins in Gilman, WV. For directions, click here. We look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us at (304) 636-8363.