The Hip Dysplasia Scheme
The Hip Dysplasia Scheme uses radiology to screen for abnormalities in the hip joints. The radiographs are scored by
BVA appointed Scrutineers for any anatomical and pathological changes indicative of hip dysplasia and a score is recorded. This score, and its relation to the breed median score, is intended to assist dog breeders in their selection of breeding stock.
The Scheme also allows dog owners to check the status of their dog so that future management can be optimised e.g. with respect to diet/weight and exercise and to flag the potential for degenerative problems in later life.
The Scheme is open to all dogs and breeds including crossbreeds and non-Kennel Club registered dogs.
Download
our leaflet on hip dysplasia in dogs (749 KB PDF) for more information on the condition and the scheme.
Procedure and submission information
You can now make submissions to the Hip Dysplasia Scheme online. Find out about the benefits of online submissions from Chief Scrutineer Dr Jerry Davies, in his recent blog post;
Paper not required – submit online to our Canine Health Schemes.
For those making online submissions to the Hip Dysplasia Scheme, please follow
our procedure notes (108 KB PDF).
For further information on the online portal, please watch our
"how to make an online submission to the BVA Canine Health Schemes" video.
For those making submissions on paper, please read the
Hip Dysplasia Scheme paper procedure notes (180 KB PDF).
Submit online to the Hip and Elbow SchemesPositioning
To ensure correct positioning please watch our comprehensive
how-to guide for radiographic positioning for the Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Cost of submission
See cost of submissions and offers for a full breakdown including a reduced fee when submitting to both the hip and elbow dysplasia schemes.
Kennel Club Assured Breeders receive a 15% discount when their submissions are made online.
The average turnaround time for a hip dysplasia submission is 4 weeks.
Results
Results of scoring will be automatically sent to the submitting vet in the form of a completed certificate. For online submissions, these can be found under the “My Certificates” tab in the online portal. For further guidance, please refer to the
"how-to" video on the
BVA YouTube channel. For paper submissions, the certificates will be returned in the post.
The names of Kennel Club registered dogs scored under the scheme, together with the results of the hip dysplasia score, will be
sent to the Kennel Club for publication and inclusion on the relevant documents.
Understanding the results
Responsible breeders should select their breeding stock (both dogs and bitches) only from animals with hip scores below the
breed median score (114 KB PDF).
More information on the scoring process can be found in
Ruth Dennis’ article in Companion Animal Practice.
Breed specific statistics
The
breed specific statistics (114 KB PDF) include the breed median for the last 15 and 5 years and the rolling 5 year median, which are calculated from the scoring records of each breed to give a representative overview of the hip dysplasia status of the dogs scored in that breed. Breeders should compare their dogs’ score to the 5 year median.
The breed median
The
breed median score (114 KB PDF) is calculated from all the scores recorded for that breed over the previous 5 years. It represents the hip of the average dog in that breed and dogs with scores which are lower than the median have better than average hips for that breed. The 5 year breed media can be found in breed specific statistics.
Estimated Breeding Values
The
Kennel Club has developed
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), a resource that allows breeders to estimate a dog’s genetic risk of developing either hip or elbow dysplasia.
Further information
The Hip Dysplasia Scheme
The Scheme uses radiology to screen for abnormalities in the hip joints. The radiographs are scored by an
expert panel of veterinary surgeons otherwise known as Scrutineers. The scores can then be compared to the
Breed Specific Statistics (114 KB PDF), allowing breeders to make informed decisions in regard to their breeding programme.
Download our leaflet on
hip dysplasia in dogs (749 KB PDF) for more information on the condition and the scheme.
Making a submission
- Contact your veterinary surgeon and arrange an appointment for your dog to be radiographed (x-rayed).
- The radiographs must be taken under anaesthesia or heavy sedation which means that the dog may have to be left for a short time at the veterinary practice. (Hip radiographs can be taken at the same time as those for the Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.)
- Once the radiographs have been taken, your veterinary surgeon will
submit (112 KB PDF) the details, radiographs and fee to BVA.
- The radiographs will be scored by our expert panel of scrutineers.
- The results certificate will be returned to your veterinary surgeon and passed on to yourself.
- If your dog is registered with the Kennel Club, the results will also be published on the
Kennel Club website.
The average turnaround time for a hip dysplasia submission is 4 weeks. Please note only
veterinary surgeons can make submissions to the scheme.
We cannot give Hip or Elbow scores to owners directly, please contact your veterinary practice with any queries or for your dog’s submission results.
Requirements
- The dog must be at least 1 year old.
- The dog must be permanently and uniquely identified by way of a microchip.
- If applicable, the dog’s Kennel Club registration certificate and any related transfer certificates must be available so that the appropriate details can be printed on the radiographs.
Cost of submission
See cost of submissions and offers for a full breakdown including a reduced fee when submitting to both the hip and elbow dysplasia schemes.
Kennel Club Assured Breeders receive a 15% discount when their submissions are made online.
The results
Once your dog has been scored, a
completed certificate (96 KB PDF) detailing the hip scores will be sent back to your veterinary surgeon.
Hip scoring should be considered along with other criteria as part of a responsible breeding programme, and breeders should choose breeding stock with hip scores ideally around or below the
breed median (114 KB PDF).
Interpreting and using the results
The hip score (the score shown highlighted in this certificate) is made up of the total number of points given for different features in the hip joint. The lower the score the better. The minimum score for each hip is 0 and the maximum is 53, giving a range for the total score of 0 to 106. It is this total score that should be compared to the breed median.
Learn more about the scoring process and how to use the score in
Ruth Dennis’ article in Companion Animal Practice.
The breed median
The
breed median score (114 KB PDF) is calculated from all the scores recorded for that breed over the previous 5 years. It represents the hip of the average dog in that breed and dogs with scores which are lower than the median have better than average hips for that breed. Breeders should compare their dogs’ score to the median.
Estimated Breeding Values
The Kennel Club has developed
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), a resource that allows breeders to estimate a dog’s genetic risk of developing either hip or elbow dysplasia.
Publication of results
The results of Kennel Club registered dogs scored under the scheme will be sent to the Kennel Club for publication and inclusion on
the Mate Select website. Results can be found by entering the registration name or number.
Appeals
Once a score has been given for a dog, the radiograph cannot be resubmitted; however,
owners have the right to appeal which takes the form of a re-appraisal of the original radiograph.
Further information
The Hip Dysplasia Scheme
The Hip Dysplasia Scheme uses x-rays to identify abnormal growth in the hip joint. The images are then reviewed and scored by the
expert panel of veterinary surgeons. The scores can then be compared to the
Breed Specific Statistics (114 KB PDF) helping breeders to ensure they only breed from healthy dogs.
Owners can also make submissions to the scheme in order to check the health status of their dogs so that future management can be optimised e.g. with respect to diet/weight and exercise and to flag the potential for degenerative problems in later life.
What does the hip score mean?
If you are looking to purchase a puppy that is from a breed that may be at risk of hip dysplasia, it is very important that you see the parents’ results for hip dysplasia screening before you commit to buying the puppy. You can use
The Puppy Contract to aid you in asking all the right questions.
The certificate (96 KB PDF) will show a hip score. The lower the score the better, a score can range from 0 to 106. We recommend that breeders should strive to breed from a dog with a score below the breed median.
How to screen my dog for hip dysplasia
For information on how to get your dog tested for hip dysplasia via the Canine Health Schemes, please see the process below.
- Contact your veterinary surgeon and arrange for your dog to be x-rayed as part of the CHS Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
- Your veterinary surgeon will then
submit (108 KB PDF) the x-rays and relevant information to BVA.
- Expert veterinary surgeon appointed by BVA will score the x-rays.
- The results will be returned to your veterinary surgeon and passed on to yourself.
- If your dog is registered with the Kennel Club, the results will also be published on the
Kennel Club website.
See
cost of submissions and offers for a full breakdown including a reduced fee when submitting to both the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes and a reduced rate for
Kennel Club Assured Breeders.
Further information