OFA Hips and Elbows Certification: Understanding the Evaluation Process
What is OFA Certification?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) provides a system for evaluating and certifying the hips and elbows of dogs to help identify any potential problems related to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. OFA certifications are a widely recognized tool for breeders, veterinarians, and dog owners to assess the health of a dog's joints and ensure they are free from conditions that could cause pain, discomfort, or long-term mobility issues.
OFA Hips Certification:
The OFA Hip Certification involves evaluating a dog’s hips to determine whether they have hip dysplasia, a genetic condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly. This condition leads to joint instability, which can result in arthritis and pain as the dog ages.
How does the OFA Hip Evaluation work?
1. Radiographs (X-rays): We will take x-rays of your dog’s hips. These x-rays must be taken when the dog is under sedation to ensure that the hips are in the correct position and to minimize muscle tension that could interfere with the results.
2. Evaluation: The x-rays are then submitted to the OFA for evaluation by a panel of veterinary radiologists. The radiologists will assess the degree of hip dysplasia based on several factors, including the position and structure of the hip joints.
3. Certification: The OFA assigns a grade based on the severity of any abnormalities found. The possible grades are:
Excellent: A normal, well-formed hip joint.
Good: A slight but acceptable level of joint laxity or mild changes in joint structure.
Fair: Moderate changes to the joint.
Borderline: Indicates some potential for developing dysplasia but not necessarily abnormal at the time of evaluation.
Dysplastic: Significant abnormalities or signs of hip dysplasia.
The OFA Hip Certification provides a permanent record of the dog’s hip status and can be used to guide breeding decisions, helping to reduce the likelihood of passing on hip dysplasia to future generations.
OFA Elbows Certification:
Similar to hips, OFA Elbow Certification evaluates whether a dog has elbow dysplasia, a condition where the bones in the elbow joint do not fit together correctly, leading to instability and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is another common inherited condition that can result in chronic pain and mobility issues.
How does the OFA Elbow Evaluation work?
1. Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays are taken of the dog's elbows in a specific position. This requires the dog to be under sedation to ensure proper positioning and reduce muscle interference.
2. Evaluation: The x-rays are submitted to the OFA, where a panel of veterinary radiologists evaluates the elbow joint for signs of dysplasia. This includes looking for any structural abnormalities such as fragmented coronoid processes, ununited anconeal processes, or osteoarthritis.
3. Certification: Similar to the hips, OFA assigns a grade based on the severity of elbow dysplasia. The possible grades are:
- Normal: The elbow joints are healthy, with no signs of dysplasia.
- Grade 1: Mild signs of elbow dysplasia.
- Grade 2: Moderate signs of elbow dysplasia.
- Grade 3: Severe elbow dysplasia, with significant joint abnormalities and possible arthritis.
Preparation for OFA Hips and Elbows Evaluation
- Age Requirement: For a dog to be eligible for OFA certification, they must be at least 2 years old. This ensures that the joints are fully developed and that any potential dysplasia can be accurately identified.
- Sedation/Anesthesia: As with PennHIP testing, the dog needs to be sedated during the x-ray process to ensure proper positioning and accurate results.
OFA vs. PennHIP
OFA evaluates the physical appearance of the joints to determine dysplasia, looking at structural issues.
PennHIP measures the degree of joint laxity (looseness), which can indicate the potential for dysplasia, even before physical symptoms appear.
Both OFA and PennHIP are widely respected and reliable testing methods, but they assess different aspects of hip and elbow health. Some breeders or veterinarians may use both evaluations to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a dog’s joint health.
Preparation for the OFA Procedure
- Drop-off Time: Please drop off your dog between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
- Fasting Instructions: Your dog should not eat after 10:00 PM the night before the procedure. This ensures that your dog is ready for sedation.