PennHIP (an acronym for "University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program") is a program which evaluates the quality of the hips in dogs.[1] The program was established at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine by Gail Smith[2] in 1993, with the primary objective of reducing the prevalence of hip dysplasia in dogs.[3] To assess a dog's hip joints, three radiographs (X-rays) are taken from different angles while the dog is under general anesthesia.[1] Radiographs are submitted to the PennHIP for assessment, and are assigned a score, called a distraction index.[1] Veterinarians must be trained members of the PennHIP Network in order to take radiographs for these assessments.[1] The scheme is available through veterinarians in the United States and Canada.[3] It was considered as the most evidence-based radiographic method to diagnose hip dysplasia.[4]
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