1 2 Diagnosis The first step to diagnosing CHD is a quick orthopedic exam performed by your veterinarian that includes moving both hip joints through range of motion. If an abnormal gait, pain on manipulation of the hip, or a family history of CHD is present, further investigation/discussion is warranted. The most reliable diagnosis of CHD can be obtained using PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) radiography. This procedure measures the amount of laxity in the hip joint by distracting it under general anesthesia. Recent studies have shown that PennHIP can be reliably performed at four months of age. Other tests done should include the Ortolani maneuver (a palpation test that can detect laxity) and OFA-like radiographs (a specific X-ray view). Ortolani maneuver and OFA-like radiographs have been shown to be less accurate in juvenile dogs, but they still offer some additional information. For example, a positive Ortolani sign (a palpable “clunk” when a subluxated hip reduces while applying downward pressure and abducting the femur) has been shown to be a reliable indicator for later development of radiographic signs. However, the high number of false negative results (meaning that a normal result truly was abnormal) does imply that a negative result should not be used to rule out CHD. While a positive Ortolani test is of great importance, a negative test does not provide valid information. A similar statement is true for the OFAlike radiographs; if abnormalities are detected, CHD is confirmed. However, a normal radiograph does not rule out the presence of the disease. December 10 | Clean Run 49http://www.fitball.com http://www.cleanrun.com http://www.fitball.com