By: Arianna Pearsall
Posted on: Sept 6, 2023
What Is OFA Testing?
OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. It was founded in 1966, by a man named John.M.Olin. He discovered that health issues don’t just happen to random dogs but can be tracked through a dog's lineage. Nowadays, veterinarians will take x-rays and blood work to help track genetic problems like hip dysplasia.
Similar to humans, genetics play a role in dogs' health. Because of this, some breeders will OFA test their dogs before breeding them to ensure they will be passing down healthy genetics, which helps to improve the breed. By the breeder making sure that their dogs are genetically healthy before breeding the chances of the puppies having genetic health issues substantially drops.
When a dog is taken to be OFA tested the veterinarians or technicians will sedate the dog for the most accurate reading and to make the procedure comfortable for the dog as well. OFAs will be scored Excellent through to Severe. With Excellent being low chance for
genetic health problems and Severe being high risk for genetic problems. The OFAs main
goal is to help prevent genetic health issues and is the first step to create healthy pups!
What is PennHIP Testing?
PennHIP is a screening, which measures the hip joint laxity and assesses the dog’s hips. PennHIP is primarily used to check for hip dysplasia in breeding dogs. This gives the offspring a better chance to be hip dysplasia free. Unlike OFAs, a veterinarian must be PennHIP certified to take PennHIP screening. PennHIP is the most effective way to assess a dog's hips.
PennHIP is a large scientific database, which houses all the data from dogs tested. As more dogs come in for screenings the more information is accumulated. This helps veterinarians recommend the best medical care for dogs with hip dysplasia. As it expands, more questions on hip dyspisalisa get answered.
The PennHIP screening is fairly short, but the procedure begins by anestizing the dog for accurate x-rays. This also provides the dog with a comfortable experience. During the PennHIP screening 3 x-rays are taken. The distraction and compression view gives an accurate measurement on the laxity and the congruity of the hip joint. The hip-extended view (sometimes referred to as the OFA view) supplies supplementary info about the existence of the osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip.
PennHIP is the most accurate way to assess a dog's hips. By taking this procedure the owner will have a clear understanding on their dog's hips.
Why is OFA and PennHIP Important?
A responsible dog breeder strives to improve the breed, not just produce puppies for profit.
There are several different opinions about breeding dogs. Some people believe you should Pennhip/OFA test dogs before breeding. While others believe the contrary. It is important to Pennhip and OFA test dogs intended for breeding for 3 reasons: It improves the breed, prevents health issues, and reflects on the responsibility of the breeder.
To start with, Pennhip/OFA testing on breeding dogs is for the betterment of the breed. Breeders should strive to improve the breed. By OFA/Pennhip testing, breeders are helping to carry on healthy genetics. This leads to effects like a longer lifespan, and continuing on the best genetics of the breed.
The second reason why it is crucial to Pennhip/OFA test dogs intended for breeding is because it prevents unwanted health issues. Anatolian Shepherds (and many other dog breeds), biggest health concern is hip dysplasia and other joint issues. As explained above Pennhip and OFA are x-rays which check the dogs joints for dysplasia. By breeding dogs, who have passed OFAs and PennHIP procedures the chances for hip dysplasia and other joint issues is reduced. This is a simple way to prevent having to pay for expensive surgeries later on.
The final reason it is important to Pennhip/OFA test dogs is because it reflects on the breeder. A responsible breeder has the best intentions for their future litters and buyers. A huge way this can show through is by the breeder going out of their way to complete these procedures in hopes that they can place owners with healthy, reliable, and loyal dogs.
However some people believe the opposite. They state that it is not important to PennHIP or OFA test dogs because it is a way for the breeder to make extra profit. You will get the same dog whether you buy a hundred dollar dog, or a thousand dollar dog. You shouldn’t waste money on puppies whose parents have a fancy OFA and/or PennHIP certificate. This reasoning is faulty because, although puppies that have Pennhip/OFA certified parents are often more expensive, that certificate could save you from having to pay for expensive surgery or having to replace the dog altogether. As explained above, research has concluded that joint issues are genetic. If the puppy’s parents are OFA and PennHIP certified, the chances their puppies will be hip dysplasia free is greatly improved.
Others will argue that Pennhip and OFA tests are unimportant because dogs are just dogs. It is super fun (especially for the kids and grandkids) to have a litter of pups. It's a simple way to earn a couple extra bucks and it's not worth the expense or risk to get the tests done. This reasoning is also faulty because a breeder should focus on responsibility over profit or having a litter for the fun of it.
Neither of these arguments- it is a way for the breeder to make extra profit nor dogs are just dogs- should give anyone any authority to believe that PennHIP and OFA tests are not important when breeding dogs.
It is important to PennHIP and OFA test dogs intended for breeding. It improves the breed, prevents health issues, and reflects on the responsibility of the breeder. This matters to you, because it will benefit you the next time you are purchasing a pup!
Works Cited:
“PennHIP Screening” by Veterinary Surgical Specialist, https://www.vssoc.com/services/pennhip-screening/#:~:text=PennHIP%20screenings%20can%20ensure%20your,(also%20known%20as%20osteoarthritis)
“What is a OFA certification and should my dog have it” by south seattle veterinary hospital, https://www.southseattlevet.com/what-is-ofa-certification-and-should-my-dog-have-it
“OFA testing” by Harmony Veterinary Clinic, https://harmonyvetclinic.com/ofa-testing/
“What is PennHIP” by Antech imaging Services, https://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/what-is-pennhip/#:~:text=PennHIP%20is%20a%20multifaceted%20radiographic,onset%20of%20osteoarthritis%20(OA).
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