PennHIP Screening
At Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Orange County
With best-in-class medicine, technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.
You've come to the right place
We are one of the first specialty hospitals to receive an Accredited Referral Practice designation, which means over 900 quality standards of our practice are consistently evaluated by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
What is PennHIP screening?
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is still the most common inherited joint problem in large-breed dogs. A PennHIP is a radiographic screening technique to evaluate the laxity (or looseness) in canine hips and determine their risk of developing degenerative joint disease (DJD).
We’re here for you (and them)
Schedule a visit. We’re here to help.
We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. To schedule a surgical consultation, please contact us.
Prepare for your visit
- 01Call us directly to schedule an appointment.
- 02We’ll gather your pet’s records and collaborate with your primary care veterinarian.
- 03Complete all necessary paperwork prior to arrival using our online forms and ensure all necessary email communications are completed.
During your visit
- 01Call 949-936-0055 to notify us as soon as you arrive.
- 02Let our client care representatives know of any personal accommodations you may need to be comfortable while you wait.
- 03We will let you know if you should stay close by or if you can leave and come back.
After your visit
- 01Follow your pet’s treatment plan and monitor their symptoms.
- 02You know your pet best. If anything seems amiss or you have any concerns, give us a call — we’re here for you.
- 03Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as a part of your pet’s ongoing care.
Our team
When your pet needs special care, we have highly-trained specialists to help.
Frequently asked questions
A PennHIP screening is a qualitative measurement of hip joint laxity— so you can be certain in the data it provides. Additionally:
- It is a well-researched, objective method that follows strict scientific protocols and is published in peer-reviewed veterinary literature.
- Veterinarians who wish to submit PennHIP x-rays are required to be trained in the technique and certified, helping ensure accurate data.
- It can help eliminate the hip dysplasia genes out of breeding stock.
- It can be performed on dogs as young as 16 weeks.
- It can be used to test if a dog is a candidate for surgery to prevent DJD.
- It can help assess the usefulness of performing a preventive procedure called Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS), based on the risk of developing hip dysplasia.
Overall, with the information obtained from a PennHIP screening, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended to treat canine hip dysplasia before it detrimentally impacts a pet’s quality of life.
New patients
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