Pennhip, The Objective Measure

Why do we use pennhip?

The Pennhip method is an objective measure while OFA hip test is subjective (a radiologist’s opinion in the moment).

Don't take our word on it. Read the research! Talk to a vet who does both OFA and pennhip!

We are thrilled to offer links to published and peer reviewed scientific studies about pennhip. We also encourage everyone to speak with a veterinarian who does both pennhip and OFA about the positives and negatives about each.

Seeing Eye Dog Involved In >10,000 Dog Pennhip Study
“Among 116 GRs evaluated in generation 8, mean DI decreased to 0.40.” Compare this to the international mean of 0.54.

Evaluation of the relationship between Orthopedic Foundation for Animals' hip joint scores and PennHIP distraction index values in dogs

"CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs judged as phenotypically normal by the OFA harbored clinically important passive hip joint laxity as determined via distraction radiography. Results suggested that OFA scoring of HE radiographs underestimated susceptibility to osteoarthritis in dogs, which may impede progress in reducing or eliminating hip dysplasia through breeding."

PennHIP more than “complementary” to FCI hip screening method

"All EMDs in the FCI grade “A” grouping were shown to have hip laxity by PennHIP distraction index to be greater than 0·3, the biological threshold above which hips are at risk for later development of osteoarthritis (OA) of CHD. We found similar results in our study of OFA hip scoring in the USA. Of the dogs given the best hip score, “OFA Excellent”, 56 per cent were found to have hip laxity greater than 0·3 and thus at risk for OA (Fordyce and others 2000)."

Estimation of Heritabilities

"Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Establishment of a selection index that makes use of breeding values jointly estimated from the DI, DLS score, NA, and EHR score should enhance breeding programs to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs."

Genetic Control of Canine Hip Dysplasia

"To avoid the potential problems associated with inbreeding and extreme selection, a moderate approach has been suggested in conjunction with PennHIP® testing, particularly in breeds with few or no members having tight (degenerative joint disease–unsusceptible) hips."

What About Elbow Testing? CT Scans!

Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis in Dog Elbows Graded 0 and 1

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screens elbow radiographs, and assigns grades 0-3… The incidence of dysplasia based on CT was 62% in grade 0, and 75% in grade 1 elbows, all of which had medial coronoid disease.

How About Spaying Or Neutering?

When do we suggest you spay or neuter your puppy?

We encourage our puppy families to read scientific studies to educate themselves and make the best decision for their family. We do not require our families to spay or neuter their dog.

Article about the study: "The study revealed that, for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered either early or late compared with intact (non-neutered) dogs."