Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a developmental abnormality of the hip joint. It is the most common orthopedic disease in dogs that is inherited. X-ray changes observed in dogs with CHD include luxation or subluxation of the hip and osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease).

It is generally accepted that hip joint laxity (hip looseness) plays a major role in the development of osteoarthritis. Because osteoarthritis commonly causes pain and discomfort in the affected joints, the dog with CHD often has impaired mobility and a diminished quality of life.

There are several ways to objectively measure hip joint laxity and evaluate a dog’s risk for developing osteoarthritis and CHD.

In the traditional evaluation, the ventrodorsal (front to back), hip-extended (legs pulled straight rearward) radiographic view approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1966 is the standard position of the dog on the X-ray table. This is usually done with the dog under sedation or anesthesia for proper and consistent positioning.

If the dog isn’t positioned properly, the asymmetrical images of the hip joints will make it impossible to get an accurate interpretation. This widely accepted method of evaluating hip structure is used by many hip screening programs throughout the world.

Many breeders and veterinarians agree that the incidence of CHD has noticeably decreased over the years since it was first described, partly because awareness of CHD among pet owners and breeders has reached fairly high levels.

The Distraction Index (DI) is obtained with the aid of a fulcrum so that a radiograph can be taken with the head of the femur as far out of the hip socket as possible. This distance is then measured.

Hips with a DI close to 0 are considered tight, while those close to 1 are considered very loose. The DI is an indication of the “percent out of joint” that the femoral head is displaced from the acetabulum (socket).

The last method is the PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program). This is a novel way to assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity and hip conformation. Three separate radiographs are taken of a sedated or anesthetized dog.

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