Fees

Animals Over 24 Months

Animals Under 24 Months

Instructions for Taking Images for OFA Dysplasia Evaluations

Images should be permanently identified with:

1. Registered name and/or number
2. Name of veterinary clinic making the film
3. Date the image was taken
   

OFA Database
The dysplasia control database of the OFA is a voluntary program established to evaluate images and to identify films showing no evidence of dysplasia or other orthopedic problems. All images submitted that are of acceptable diagnostic quality will be reviewed by qualified veterinary radiologists and a consensus report will be returned to the owner of record and referring veterinarian. Only animals that are 24 months of age or older to the day at the time of radiography, with no radiographic evidence of dysplasia, will be assigned a breed OFA number. The OFA does offer a preliminary evaluation for those under 24 months of age.

Age Requirement
Only dogs that are 24 months of age, to the day, or older at the time of radiography can qualify for an OFA hip number. In general hip joint status of younger dogs will be evaluated but only a consultation report will be issued. For toy and small breeds interested in the Legg-Calve-Perthes Database the animal has to be 12 months of age or older. The dog's registration certificate or copy of this information should be available at the time of radiography.

OFA Policy Regarding Release of Preliminary Results (Animals Under 24 Months)

The OFA will post preliminary results if:

1. The animal is at least 12 months at the time of radiography
2. The Animal must be permanently identified via microchip or tattoo.
3. The owner initials the authorization block to release all results (including abnormal results) when the application is initially submitted

Restraint
Obtaining proper position often requires chemical restraint. The OFA recommends chemical restraint to the point of muscular relaxation. The type of agent used (sedative, tranquilizer, or general anesthesia) is best determined by the attending veterinarian.

Positioning
Dorsal recumbency with the rear legs extended and parallel to each other is the preferred positioning. This standard ventrodorsal view is the basis for evaluation of hip joint status with respect to hip dysplasia. Care should be exercised to be sure the pelvis is not tilted. Elbow joints are evaluated in the fully flexed medial to lateral position, additional views are optional.

Digital Submission
Veterinary clinics can register to submit digital images and find detailed directions on how to submit images digitally at www.ofa.org/veterinarian/veterinary-submissions

Image Identification
Permanent identification of the dog on the image is required to be eligible for OFA evaluation. Lead letters, an I.D. camera, or radio opaque tapes can be used to identify the film. Digital images should have embedded text with the hospital or veterinarian's name, date taken, registered name and/or registration number. OFA does not accept images that need to be accessed through cloud/web-based links or zip files, images should be attachments and should not require proprietary viewing software.

Exposure
Good contrast is desirable (high mAs, low kVp). Grid techniques are recommended for all large dogs.

Radiation Safety
Proper collimation and protection of attendants is the responsibility of the veterinarian. Gonadal shielding is recommended for male dogs.

Hormonal Effect
Some female dogs show subluxation when radiographed around an estrus cycle which is not apparent when reradiographed in anestrus. The OFA recommends radiographing 3-4 weeks before or after a heat period or 3-4 weeks after weaning a litter of pups.

Application for OFA Film Evaluation
The owner or agent must complete and sign the OFA application form. This information is best obtained directly from the it is recommended that a copy of the registration
be included with the submission. Application forms are available on request from the OFA and from the OFA website at www.ofa.org. The image, signed form, and service fee should be mailed together to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at the address on the front of this form.