PennHIP Hip Evaluations
PennHIP Hip Evaluations In Raleigh
Leesville Animal Hospital offers PennHIP hip evaluations with Dr. Valentine. Whether you’re screening a puppy for hip dysplasia, completing health testing for your breeding program, or keeping a canine athlete in top form, PennHIP gives you clear, objective information about your dog’s hips.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. It can lead to arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility. The earlier you know your dog’s risk, the more you can do about it.
Contact us at (919) 870-7000 to learn more about the PennHIP services we offer in Raleigh.
What Is PennHIP?
PennHIP is an advanced hip screening method that measures how loose your dog’s hip joints are. Hip looseness, or laxity, is the main risk factor for developing hip dysplasia and arthritis later in life. The looser the hip, the higher the risk.
The method was developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and is now run by Antech Imaging Services. Only veterinarians who complete PennHIP training and certification can perform it. Every PennHIP evaluation is reviewed by Antech, and your dog receives a score called a Distraction Index (DI). The report also shows how your dog’s hips compare to other dogs of the same breed.
Who Should Get A PennHIP Evaluation?
- Hip dysplasia screening for puppies and pets. PennHIP can be done as early as 16 weeks, and a dog’s hip laxity at that age stays much the same into adulthood. Knowing early gives you time to act. Dr. Valentine can recommend weight management, exercise changes, joint supplements, or early surgical options to help protect your dog’s hips.
- Breeding health testing. PennHIP helps breeders choose dogs with the tightest hips for their program. Because each dog is ranked against others of the same breed, you can track progress across generations. PennHIP results can also be added to the OFA’s Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database.
- Sports medicine and working dogs. Agility, dock diving, field work, and other high-impact activities put extra stress on the hips. A PennHIP evaluation helps you plan safe training and conditioning for your canine athlete. It’s especially useful before you invest years of training in a young sport or working dog.
What To Expect During Your Dog's Visit
- Consultation: Dr. Valentine reviews your dog’s history and your goals for testing.
- Sedation: Your dog’s hip muscles need to be fully relaxed for accurate images, so heavy sedation or anesthesia is required. Our team monitors your dog closely throughout.
- Three X-Rays: Dr. Valentine takes three views of the hips:
- The distraction view measures how loose the hip joints are.
- The compression view shows how well the ball fits into the socket.
- The hip-extended view checks for signs of arthritis.
- Results: We submit the images to Antech Imaging Services for analysis. Once the report comes back, we’ll walk you through your dog’s results and any next steps.
Plan for your dog to spend part of the day with us. Please withhold food the morning of the procedure, and we’ll give you full instructions when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How young can my dog be tested?
As young as 16 weeks. Results become slightly more reliable as dogs mature, so some owners repeat the evaluation at 6 months or 1 year.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes. PennHIP has been performed safely on many thousands of dogs. Studies have found it is no more harmful than a standard hip X-ray.
Why does my dog need sedation?
Accurate measurements require the muscles around the hip to be completely relaxed. Sedation also keeps your dog comfortable and still during positioning.
What if my dog's hips are loose?
A higher score doesn’t mean your dog will definitely develop problems. It means the risk is greater. Dr. Valentine will build a plan with you to help keep your dog active and comfortable.
Give your dog the best start with a clear picture of their hip health. Call (919) 870-7000 to schedule a PennHIP evaluation with Dr. Valentine.