Hip Dysplasia in puppyYoung Dog Growing Problem, Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Is Your Puppy At Risk?

Large breed dogs (over 35 lbs) like Labradors, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, and Golden Retrievers are more likely to have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia than other breeds.
However, this condition has been diagnosed in small breed dogs as well.
While genetics play a huge role in this condition, young dogs that grow or gain weight too quickly are also at-risk.
Often times, symptoms of hip dysplasia go unnoticed. Some indications that a visit to the vet is in order include:
Unwillingness to jump or climb stairs
Hesitant to exercise or play
Bunny hopping or abnormal hind end gait

"THE EARLIER WE CAN DIAGNOSE HIP DYSPLASIA, THE BETTER LONG TERM QUALITY OF LIFE FOR YOUR DOG."

Cute puppy looking up

Did You Know?

Arthritis is not related to age. It’s actually the body’s attempt to better stabilize the hip joint.
Why Hip Screen?

Prevention & Treatment

Dalmatian dog

For the Family Pet

Identify your pet's risk for developing hip dysplasia early in life. By choosing to hip screen your pet, you can implement changes to improve your companion's overall quality of life.
Puppy just delivered

For the BREEDER

Reduce the prevalence of canine hip dysplasia by identifying which dogs are suitable for your breeding program.
Police Dog

For the working dog

Whether your dog is used for service, herding or hunting, their work span can be shortened due to hip dysplasia. Determine if the career choice and training program will be the best fit.
Dalmatian dog

For the Family Pet
Identify your pet's risk for developing hip dysplasia early in life. By choosing to hip screen your pet, you can implement changes to improve your companion's overall quality of life.

Puppy just delivered

For the Breeder
Reduce the prevalence of canine hip dysplasia by identifying which dogs are suitable for your breeding program.

Police Dog

For the Working Dog
Whether your dog is used for service, herding or hunting, their work span can be shortened due to hip dysplasia. Determine if the career choice and training program will be the best fit.

PennHip Method

The PennHIP method is a screening tool developed by the University of Pennsylvania's College of Veterinary Medicine. It's performed in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age to determine their risk of developing hip dysplasia. Risk is determined by measuring the hip laxity or how "loose" the hips are. The radiographs and report findings reveal the hip laxity for the dog, as well as where the individual lies in the breed as a whole. Once results are obtained, any necessary diet and lifestyle changes can help prolong the onset of clinical signs.

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals)

At two years of age or older, radiographs of your dog's hips can be submitted to the OFA for a hip dysplasia evaluation. Board-certified radiologists will evaluate and grade your dog's hips for their OFA certification. OFA is the traditional means of hip evaluation, and this subjective radiographic examination will reveal your dog's overall score of excellent, good, fair or dysplastic.
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Jan 31

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
Dec 28

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
Dec 5

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
Nov 2

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More
Oct 2

Best Local Trails to Walk Your Dog

Walking your dog is the best form of mental and physical exercise for both of you. Find your momentum and explore new hiking trails with our handy list for locals.
More
Sep 29

Halloween: Precautions To Celebrate Safely With Your Pet

Halloween has become a holiday to celebrate not only with your children and friends but with your pets, as well. Many owners look forward to...
More
Sep 29

Finding Your Furever Friend: A Vet's Take on Dog Adoption🐾

In October, we support "Adopt a Dog" month by giving you essential considerations, with your veterinarian's role in mind.
More
Sep 12

Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership: A Guide to Ensuring Your Canine Companion's Well-Being

September is Responsible Dog Ownership month, and Dr. Jennifer Coval, a small animal vet with Countryside, has key advice that can make a difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
More
Sep 12

Crucial Clues: How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

Do you know how to spot pain in your dog? September is Animal Pain Awareness Month and this blog post delves into the different types of pain, Signs, and Effective Management Strategies.
More
31 Jan

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
28 Dec

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
5 Dec

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
2 Nov

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More
2 Oct

Best Local Trails to Walk Your Dog

Walking your dog is the best form of mental and physical exercise for both of you. Find your momentum and explore new hiking trails with our handy list for locals.
More
29 Sep

Halloween: Precautions To Celebrate Safely With Your Pet

Halloween has become a holiday to celebrate not only with your children and friends but with your pets, as well. Many owners look forward to...
More
29 Sep

Finding Your Furever Friend: A Vet's Take on Dog Adoption🐾

In October, we support "Adopt a Dog" month by giving you essential considerations, with your veterinarian's role in mind.
More
12 Sep

Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership: A Guide to Ensuring Your Canine Companion's Well-Being

September is Responsible Dog Ownership month, and Dr. Jennifer Coval, a small animal vet with Countryside, has key advice that can make a difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
More