How long to wait to do hip xrays after bitch is in heat? - Page 1

Hello!  I have a young bitch who's already of age to have her hips done for the OFA and I would like to do them as soon as possible (I am not planning to breed her this season), but she's in heat right now.  Does anyone know how long I should wait to do them after she's through?  Thank you!

i like to wait 4-6 weeks:)

It used to be 30 days but my vet just recommended 2 months...

Thank you very much for your input!

 If you're in the USA, this is taken from the OFA website:

 Hormonal effects        

Estrus appears to affect the reliability of diagnosis in some females.

Some animals in season demonstrate a degree of subluxation (laxity)

that is not present when the bitch is out of season, possibly due to the

relaxation effects of estrogens on the ligaments and joint capsule. Radiography

of these bitches may result in a false diagnosis of HD.

It is recommended that bitches not be examined for HD when in season

and radiographs should be obtained one month prior or one month

following the heat cycle. In addition, following a pregnancy the OFA

recommends that the bitch’s radiographs be taken at least one month

after weaning the offspring.

My rule of thumb is 3 months, that is exactly in between heat cycles.