PennHIP
The Benefits of PennHIP Scoring at Potton Vets
At Potton Vets, we care deeply about the long-term health and wellbeing of your dog. That’s why we’re proud to offer PennHIP scoring, one of the most advanced and scientifically validated methods available for assessing hip health in dogs.
Why Is Hip Health So Important?
Hip dysplasia is a common inherited condition where the hip joints develop abnormally, leading to pain, lameness and arthritis. Early detection of the risk for hip dysplasia is vital for breeding better, healthier dogs, and for helping owners manage their dogs’ hip health proactively.
What Is PennHIP?
The PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) method is a special radiographic technique that measures the laxity (looseness) in your dog’s hip joints. Unlike traditional scoring methods, PennHIP can detect joint laxity as early as 16 weeks of age — which means we can predict a dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia much earlier than with other schemes.
PennHIP uses three specific x-ray views to get an accurate measure of how much the ball of the hip moves in the socket. The result is a Distraction Index (DI), which gives you an objective, scientific score of your dog’s hip joint laxity.
How Does PennHIP Benefit You and Your Dog?
Earlier detection: Know your puppy’s risk for hip dysplasia as young as 16 weeks.
Better breeding decisions: Breeders can make informed choices to reduce the prevalence of hip dysplasia.
Tailored care: Vets can advise on weight management, exercise plans and preventative measures to help protect your dog’s joints for life.
More accurate: Studies show that PennHIP is more reliable in predicting future hip arthritis than traditional scoring alone.
Do You Still Offer BVA/Kennel Club Scoring?
Absolutely. At Potton Vets, we also perform the BVA/Kennel club Hip Dysplasia Scheme, which are well-established screening tools for breeding and health monitoring. For many breeders and dog owners, combining PennHIP with BVA/KC scores gives a fuller picture of your dog’s joint health.
Is PennHIP Right for My Dog?
PennHIP is suitable for any dog breed but is especially valuable for working, sporting or large breed dogs at higher risk of hip dysplasia. It’s also ideal for breeders committed to improving the genetic health of their lines.
Do you offer OFA hip and elbow screening?
We are also registered for the OFA (Orthopeaedic foundation of animals) hip and elbow dysplasia screening schemes.
We can help
Dr Alan Shackleton at Potton Vets is one of a small number of individually PennHIP-accredited veterinary surgeons in the UK. PennHIP evaluation is available now — get in touch to find out more or to book an appointment.
Whether you are a hobby breeder, a working dog breeder, or a breed club member looking to raise the bar on health screening within your programme, we would love to hear from you.
Contact us with any questions and to book:
Phone: 01767 260007 | Email: clients@pottonvets.co.uk
