“PennHIP” Testing for Dogs Now Available At HART

The Bredel Veterinary Clinic will now offer PennHip testing at the HART Animal Center. PennHip is an advanced hip-screening process that can help prevent or lessen the severity of hip dysplasia in dogs. The procedure is performed by Jessy Vandevender, DVM, who is PennHIP certified. The screening tool measures joint laxity (looseness) of the hips through a series of three radiographs.

The PennHIP method has strong scientific foundation as the most effective hip-screening tool available for all dogs. For pet dogs found to be at risk, early intervention can help make a difference in their long-term health. For working or service dogs, identifying healthy hips can extend their working life. For breeding dogs, early detection of at-risk hips can allow the breeder to make early, informed decisions as to which dogs to keep in breeding programs. Unlike the standard Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip-joint scoring system, which is diagnostic, PennHIP is predictive and can be done as early as 16 weeks.

For more information on PennHIP procedures or to schedule an evaluation, please call the HART Animal Center at 301-387-7729.