General Information
What is PennHIP?
PennHIP - The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program.
PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).
PennHIP is more than just a radiographic technique. It is also a network of veterinarians trained to perform the PennHIP methodology properly and, perhaps most importantly, it is a large scientific database that houses the PennHIP data. Radiographs are made by certified PennHIP members worldwide and are sent to the PennHIP Analysis Center for evaluation. The resulting data is stored in the database, which is continually monitored as it expands. As more information becomes available, the PennHIP laboratory is able to obtain more precise answers to questions about the etiology, prediction and genetic basis of hip dysplasia.
The PennHIP laboratory publishes its findings in scientific journals. Published information is disseminated to all PennHIP members; it is also shared with interested breed clubs and routinely appears in publications within the dog fancy.
To summarize, PennHIP is composed of three major components:
- A diagnostic radiographic technique
- A network of trained veterinarians
- A medical database for scientific analysis
Why Use PennHip?
Advantages of the PennHIP Method
- Hip screening can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age.
- The method utilizes quantitative measurements as opposed to subjective scoring.
- The positioning used allows assessment of true passive laxity.
- There is repeatability of the distraction procedure within and between examiners.
- The method provides risk assessment of hip dysplasia development.
- PennHIP compares laxity measurements with others of the same breed. This information is useful for making informed breeding decisions.
- The PennHIP method has the lowest false negative and false positive diagnosses of any current screening method.
- The PennHIP method has the highest heritability of any screening method.