Radiology (X-rays)

Cats and Dogs in Seattle can benefit from radiology (X-rays). Our radiology room is modern with full digital capability to enable us to take on-site films when your pet’s health requires. Our Seattle veterinarians use radiographs to evaluate patients for routine screenings (PennHIP), and for heart disease, joint injuries, intestinal foreign bodies, arthritis as well as assessing sick patients with major organ changes. A board certified radiologist is readily available to review all films as necessary. We can arrange for on-site ultrasound, or referrals for CT and MRI, when needed.

Call us today to learn more about Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital radiology services.

 

PennHIP Radiograph Services

Dr. Riedinger is certified to take and submit radiographs of dog hips at our Seattle veterinary hospital using the PennHIP method. There are three specific radiographic positions which require heavy sedation or full anesthesia for proper positioning. Dogs must be at least 16 weeks (four months of age) or older. There is no upper age restriction, only potential limitations associated with anesthesia due to the dog’s overall health as the patient ages.

PennHIP At A Glance

PennHIP is a not-for-profit veterinary health service at the University of Pennsylvania. PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).

The PennHIP method is a novel way to assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity. It consists of three separate radiographs: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view. The distraction view and compression view are used to obtain accurate and precise measurements of joint laxity and congruity. The hip-extended view is used to obtain supplementary information regarding the existence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint.

(The hip-extended view is the conventional radiographic view used to evaluate the integrity of the canine hip joint.) The PennHIP technique is more accurate than the current standard, and it has been shown to be a better predictor for the onset of OA.

Call Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital to schedule your dog’s PennHIP evaluation.