PennHIP – Performed under general anesthesia, this series of radiographs is used to evaluate the hips of breeding animals. The radiographs can be taken of animals as young as 6 months of age and are used to forecast the potential to develop crippling arthritis later in life.
OFA – Usually performed with light sedation, this radiograph also evaluates the hip conformation of breeding animals. Preliminary radiographs can be taken of animals as young as 6 months, and fully evaluated radiographs can be taken after 2 years of age.
Pregnancy checks
Ultrasounds can typically be performed on a pregnant female as early as 28 days from the last breeding date. An ultrasound provides a good estimate of the number of babies for the pregnancy.
Radiographs can be taken after 45 days to give a more accurate idea of the number of babies for the pregnancy. This also allows us to evaluate the size of the babies and their orientation in the uterus.