PennHIP represents the non-profit veterinary health service University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program that developed a multifaceted radiographic methodology to more accurately measure and assess canine hip quality and joint laxity and the existence or likelihood of developing osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).
The PennHIP method consists of three separate radiographic images: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view. The distraction view measures hip joint laxity; the compression view obtains hip joint congruity readings; while the hip-extended view provides OA readings.
Radiographs made by certified PennHIP members, such as our own veterinarians, are sent to the PennHIP Analysis Center for evaluation. The information is also stored in a medical database for scientific analysis. The scientific findings are shared with veterinarians, breed clubs and in publications, such as scientific journals and pet-related publications.