Updated Messaging re Hip and Elbow Certification Program Suspension
December 23, 2011
The OVC Hip and Elbow Certification Program is not accepting new submissions for review at this time. The program is currently on hold, a decision is not expected prior to the Spring of 2012.
Any radiographs received as of October 31, 2011 have already been processed, and results mailed to the referring veterinary clinic. Cases received after October 31st have been returned and not processed.
We will keep you apprised of any new developments with this program. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
There are two other options for hip and elbow certification. They are:
• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (offa.org)
• PennHIP (pennhip.org)
For more information, see the page of Frequently Asked Questions.
About canine hip dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia is an important and common problem for pet and breeding dogs in Canada and worldwide. The disease has a known genetic basis and is heritable. Early diagnosis of hip dysplasia is facilitated by hip screening programs, which aim to detect early signs of hip dysplasia on a radiograph in order to prevent breeding of affected individuals and to make recommendations for the management of affected dogs.
Dogs that have been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia may have different abnormalities including incongruity of the bones in the hip joint, meaning that the ball and socket that form the hip joint are not a proper fit. Subluxation of the femoral head (ball) from its original place in the joint (socket) may develop and degenerative changes leading to arthritis on the hips also occur.
The process that leads to these changes starts from inherited factors that contribute to the poor structure of the hip joint. Incongruity of the femoral head inside the growing acetabular cavity in the hip joint of young and usually large breed dogs can cause biomechanical damage to the articular cartilage. The decrease in the joint’s cartilage results in reduced ability to support the pressure on the joint during walking and running. As a consequence, inflammatory cells are stimulated in the joint cause more damage to the remaining cartilage. Loss of the entire cartilage surface exposes the nerve ends inside the subchondral bone causing pain. The joint instability triggers the formation of excessive bone on the edges of the hip surface. The entire process is progressive, and once initiated will continue leading to arthritis, limited joint movement, and pain.
