PennHIP / CHEDS Screening for Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common disorder of dogs which is a laxity (or looseness) of one or both of the hip joints. There are multiple factors that can cause this laxity, however, genetics plays a large part in the development of this disease. While large breeds of dogs such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs are overrepresented for this condition, all breeds and even crossbreeds can be affected. Hip dysplasia in young dogs can manifest in subtle signs such as a “bunny-hopping” or “wobbly” gait in the hind legs. Over time this laxity and abnormal movement of the joint leads to arthritis and chronic pain which can severely affect the quality of life of pets.

Hips are distracted using a special device to show the maximum dysplasia (or Distraction Index).

At Gordon Vet Hospital, our team offers both CHEDS assessment and the advanced technique of PennHIP radiographs using special equipment, training and certification through AIS.

Early detection and accuracy provided by the PennHIP method offers a number of advantages over conventional techniques:

• Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in puppies to allow for surgical correction from 15 weeks of age to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
• Screening and certification of breeding dogs to help ensure this condition is eliminated from future generations.
• Accurate diagnosis of hip dysplasia in mature dogs to allow for better treatment and management of current / future hip arthritis.

Cheds Screening for Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia results in pain and eventually arthritis in the elbows and can be detected by a front leg limp or “head lifting” lameness. Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a heritable (genetic) disease that commonly affects large breed dogs but may affect any breed.

Radiograph of an elbow captured for CHEDS assessment.

Elbow dysplasia can be caused by 4 separate conditions that affect the elbow which can occur independently or together:

• Fragmented medial coronoid process
• Ununited anconeal process
• Osteochondritis dissecans
• Elbow incongruity

Early detection of elbow dysplasia using CHEDS can be useful to help in the management of this painful disease:

• Surgical treatment can be used to slow the progression of this disease in dogs of any age – however early detection is preferable.
• Screening and certification of breeding dogs to help ensure this condition is eliminated from future generations.
• Accurate diagnosis of elbow dysplasia in mature dogs allows better treatment and management of current / future elbow arthritis.

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from the signs of hip or elbow dysplasia, have a large breed puppy at risk of developing these conditions or plan to breed and would like your dogs to be PennHIP and/or CHEDS certified call 94983000 or Book Online.