PennHIP Evaluations

In August of 1998 Dr. Georgiades was certified by the University of Pennsylvania to perform the PennHIP method for hip evaluation.

An early estimate of a dog's hip integrity is invaluable, especially if the dog's intended purpose is showing or breeding. The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. It is a more accurate method of evaluation than the standard hip-extended position in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

The PennHIP radiographic procedure involves special positioning of the dog so that the dog's passive hip laxity can be accurately measured. For the comfort and safety of the dog and accuracy of radiography, the dog is sedated while the films are taken.

A PennHIP evaluation results in a confidential report to the owner indicating the dog's Distraction Index (DI) and whether there are existing signs of DJD. The DI is a measure of passive hip laxity and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A DI near 0 would indicate little joint laxity and very tight hips. A DI close to 1 would indicate a high degree of laxity and very loose hips. The smaller the DI, the tighter the hips, and the less likely that the dog will develop hip dysplasia.