Whether you’re planning to breed your dog or simply want a better understanding of their orthopedic health, Big Lick Veterinary Services offers PennHIP evaluations and OFA certifications to assess the risk of hip dysplasia and other inherited orthopedic conditions.
These comprehensive canine hip dysplasia evaluations provide valuable information about your dog’s hips, elbows, and overall joint health, helping you make informed decisions about breeding, activity, and lifelong care.
PennHIP evaluations and OFA certifications are two of the most trusted methods for evaluating canine orthopedic health. While both assess the hips for signs of hip dysplasia, they use different techniques and provide different types of information.
Many responsible breeders pursue PennHIP and OFA certifications to support healthier breeding decisions, while pet owners may choose orthopedic screening to better understand their dog’s long-term joint health and mobility.
Our team can help determine which evaluation—or combination of evaluations—is most appropriate for your dog.
A PennHIP evaluation measures the amount of looseness (laxity) in your dog’s hip joints, making it one of the most effective tools for predicting the future risk of hip dysplasia. Because PennHIP can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age, it provides valuable information for breeders and owners looking to make proactive decisions about their dog’s orthopedic health.
Best for:
OFA certifications evaluate the structure and conformation of your dog’s hips—and, when applicable, elbows and other joints—using standardized radiographs reviewed by board-certified veterinary radiologists. Official OFA certifications are available for dogs 24 months and older and are widely recognized by breed clubs and responsible breeders.
Best for:
Identify joint laxity and other orthopedic concerns before clinical signs of hip dysplasia develop.
PennHIP evaluations and OFA certifications provide valuable information to help breeders make informed decisions and promote healthier bloodlines.
Understanding your dog’s hip health allows for proactive care, including exercise, weight management, and lifestyle recommendations.
Large and giant breed dogs, sporting dogs, working dogs, and breeds with a higher risk of hip dysplasia can benefit from early orthopedic screening.
Receive official evaluations through PennHIP and OFA certifications, two of the most widely recognized orthopedic screening programs in veterinary medicine.
Whether you’re planning to breed your dog or simply want confidence in their joint health, a canine hip dysplasia evaluation provides valuable insight into your pet’s future mobility.
Both evaluate hip health, but they use different methods. A PennHIP evaluation measures hip joint laxity to estimate a dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia, while the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluates radiographs for hip conformation and assigns an official rating. Depending on your goals, your veterinarian can help determine whether PennHIP and OFA certifications are recommended.
PennHIP and OFA certifications provide valuable information about your dog’s orthopedic health. These evaluations are commonly used by responsible breeders to reduce the risk of inherited hip dysplasia and may also benefit owners who want a better understanding of their dog’s joint health and mobility.
Dogs can undergo a PennHIP evaluation as early as 16 weeks of age. Early screening provides valuable information about future hip health and can help guide breeding decisions and long-term care.
Dogs must be at least 24 months old to receive permanent OFA hip and elbow certification. Preliminary evaluations may be performed at a younger age when appropriate.
A canine hip dysplasia evaluation is recommended for breeding dogs, large and giant breed dogs, sporting and working dogs, and breeds that are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
If you’re interested in a PennHIP and OFA certification, contact Big Lick Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment. Our team will discuss your dog’s breed, age, and goals to recommend the most appropriate orthopedic screening.
Healthy pets start with routine care. Schedule and complete your pet’s wellness exam by June 30 and enjoy $35 off.
Use code 35FL
Appointments must be scheduled and completed by June 30, 2026.
Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
