Ravenloft Kennels

PennHIP ~ A radiographic method of measuring a dog's passive hip laxity (looseness of the joint). The dog is given a Distraction Index (DI) number between 0 and 1. A DI closer to 0 would mean little or no joint laxity and less liklihood of developing Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). The closer DI is to 1 the more laxity and therefore greater CHD susceptablity.  This can be performed on dogs aged 4 months and up. This test does require anesthesia. Developed by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The PennHIP site.

PennHIP statistics for the American Pit Bull Terrier as of January 2007

The mean has improved slightly over last year! Great job everyone!

Coming soon! Click here to read more on CHD, PennHIP radiographic techniques, procedure, DI, and benefits.

OFA ~ The Orthopedic Foundation For Animals, Inc. A private non-profit foundation formed in 1966 to collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic diseases of animal, to advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases and to encourage and finance research in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals.

OFA Hips ~ Owners can submit hip x-rays to the OFA and have them evaluated for Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). The OFA gives them a category of Excellent, Good, Fair (these 3 are normal hips) or Borderline, Mild Dysplasia, Moderate Dysplasia or Severe Dysplasia. Must be at least 24 months old for official certification although preliminary evaluations are possible between 12 and 24 months. For best results this test should be done with the pet well-sedated.

Correction of anecdotal misinformation regarding hip dysplasia:

1. There are no environmental factors which cause CHD.

2. There is no evidence in the scientific literature that megadoses of vitamin C or any other supplement is
beneficial in reducing the effects or preventing CHD.

3. High caloric intake resulting in rapid growth and increased weight gain may exacerbate changes in dysplastic hips but will not create hip dysplasia.

4. Exercise, running, jumping up and down, and slick floors will not cause hip dysplasia.

5. Prior injuries to the femurs and/or pelvis may be detected radiographically and are taken into account when evaluating hip status.
(above corrections taken from OFA Hips booklet published by OFA)

Coming soon! Click here for an explanation on hip dysplasia, prevalence, recommended breeding principles, Radiograph criteria, categories and suggestions.

Coming soon! Click here to read "What happens to a Radiograph at the OFA: The Submission and Evaluation Process."

OFA Elbows ~ Owners can submit elbow x-rays to the OFA to be evaluated for elbow dysplasia. They recieve a rating of normal or abnormal. Abnormal scores are further divided into Grade I, Grade II or Grade III. Must be at least 24 months old for official certification although preliminary evaluations are possible between 12 and 24 months.
Coming soon! Click here to read more about elbow dysplasia, method of diagnosis and abnormal grades.

OFA Cardiac ~ Owners can have their dog examined for congenital heart disease and receive OFA certification and a breed number from OFA stating the dog is normal or affected. Must be at least 12 months old for official certification but OFA provisional certification is possible for dogs between 6 weeks and 12 months of age. This provisional certification is great for breeders to do before selling a puppy and for assessment of the breeding potential of a dog.
Coming soon! Click here to read more on congenital heart disease identification, classification and certification.

OFA Patellas ~ Owners can have their dogs evaluated for patellar luxation (slippage/rotation of the kneecap) and receive OFA certification and a breed number. This is a manual examination. Dogs recieve a classification of normal or abnormal, with abnormal being further divided into 4 grades. Must be at least 12 months old for official certification but OFA provisional certification is possible for dogs between 6 weeks and 12 months of age. Again, this provisional certification is great for breeders to do before selling a puppy and for assessment of the breeding potential of a dog.
Coming soon! Click here to read more on OFA patellar luxation classification, certification and clinical signs.

OFA Thyroid ~ A blood serum test can be done to determine if a dog has thyroid abnormalities. There are two types of thyroid abnormalities covered by OFA:
1. Autoimmune Thyroiditis (known to be heritable)
2. Idiopathically Reduced Thyroid Function
Dogs receive a category of Normal, Abnormal or Equivocol (equivicol meaning the results were not definitive and retesting in 3-6 months is recommended). Normal dogs are issued OFA certification and a breed number. OFA recommends the dogs be recertified (no OFA charge for recertification) at 2,3,4,6 and 8 years old since the classification can change as the dogs age.
Coming soon! Click here to read more about OFA Thyroid classification and certification.