Hip x-rays to check for hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease which affects the ball and socket joint of the hip in the hind legs of dogs, is one of the most common inherited orthopaedic diseases in dogs.

Larger breeds of dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers are most commonly affected by hip dysplasia, however it can occur in any breed.

Hip radiographs or x-rays, especially the PennHip x-ray series – is the most reliable means of diagnosing and predicting which dogs will develop hip dysplasia.

The PennHip x-ray series can be performed on dogs from 16 weeks of age, and is performed under a general anaesthetic. The resulting x-ray series are then sent to the University of Pennsylvania for interpretation and a ranking is provided according to the dog’s specific breed – for the potential of them developing hip dysplasia.

If the PennHip x-ray series if not required, the veterinarian may recommend that your dog has a standard hip-extended x-ray taken to assess for radiographic signs of arthritis. This procedure still requires a general anaesthetic, and whilst it does not provide the same level of interpretation as the PennHip x-ray series, it is still commonly used to assess hip health in dogs.

If a predisposition to hip dysplasia is diagnosed for your dog, the vet will discuss management options aimed towards delaying the onset and severity of arthritis and associated pain.

For more information about hip dysplasia in pets, speak to one of our friendly team at Sydney Animal Hospitals.