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Hip and Elbow Scoring in Dogs – the BVA/KC Scheme
Hip and elbow scoring is an important health screening tool used in dogs to assess the risk of inherited joint disease. In the UK, this is carried out under the official BVA/KC (British Veterinary Association / The Kennel Club) Schemes, which are recognised as the gold standard for assessing canine hip and elbow health.
At Station House Vets, we offer BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring to help breeders and owners make informed, responsible decisions about their dog’s future.
What is the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Scheme
The BVA/KC Schemes use specially positioned Xrays of your dog’s hip and/or elbow joints. These images are:
-
- Taken by your vet under sedation or general anaesthesia
- Carefully positioned to meet strict scheme requirements
- Sent to expert scrutineers appointed by the BVA
- Officially scored and recorded against your dog’s Kennel Club registration
These schemes are designed to detect inherited joint problems such as:
-
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dislasia
- Early arthritic changes
Why is hip and elbow scoring important?
Many dogs with joint disease show very few signs early in life. Scoring allows us to:
-
- Identify silent joint problems early
- Reduce the risk of passing painful conditions on through breeding
- Help breeders make ethical mating choices
- Advise owners on exercise, weight management, and long-term joint care
The ultimate aim is to improve the overall health of future generations of dogs
How hip scores work (BVA/KC)
Each hip is assessed across nine different criteria, including:
-
- Joint laxity (looseness of the joint)
- Shape of the femoral head
- Depth of the hip socket
- Signs of arthritis
Each hip is scored separately. The two scores are then added together to give a total hip score.
Lower scores – healthier hip joints!
Scores are compared to breed-specific averages published by The Kennel Club
How elbow scores work (BVA/KC)
Each elbow is assessed across nine different criteria, including:
-
- 0 – Normal
- 1 – Mild changes
- 2 – Moderate changes
- 3 – Severe changes
The higher score from either elbow is the one officially recorded.
Lower scores – healthier elbow joints!
When can dogs be scored?
Under the BVA/KC schemes:
-
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old (some large breeds may have higher minimum ages)
- They must be permanently identified (microchip or tattoo linked to KC registration)
We can advise you if your dog is old enough and suitable for scoring.
What happens on the day?
When your dog comes in for BVA/KC schemes:
1 – we check your dog’s identity and paperwork
2 – a light general anaesthetic or heavy sedation is given
3 – precise xrays of hips and/or elbows are taken
4 – images are quality checked and submitted to the BVA
5 – your dog goes home the same day
Results are usually returned to you from the BVA/KC within a few weeks.
Pricing
To find out our latest pricing for hip and elbow scoring visit our Pricing page or you can email the team for a personalised estimate.
Please note : this is the pricing for the scoring assessment only performed by our vets. In addition there is a fee that you will need to pay to the BVA/KC. Please visit their website to find out more : www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes
Book your hip and / or elbow scoring assessment
If you are planning to breed from your dog or want clear insight into their joint health, the BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring is a valuable step.
To book your dogs hip / elbow scoring please give our team a call on 01653618303
Hip and Elbow Scoring in Dogs – the BVA/KC Scheme
Hip and elbow scoring is an important health screening tool used in dogs to assess the risk of inherited joint disease. In the UK, this is carried out under the official BVA/KC (British Veterinary Association / The Kennel Club) Schemes, which are recognised as the gold standard for assessing canine hip and elbow health.
At Station House Vets, we offer BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring to help breeders and owners make informed, responsible decisions about their dog’s future.
What is the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Scheme
The BVA/KC Schemes use specially positioned Xrays of your dog’s hip and/or elbow joints. These images are:
-
- Taken by your vet under sedation or general anaesthesia
- Carefully positioned to meet strict scheme requirements
- Sent to expert scrutineers appointed by the BVA
- Officially scored and recorded against your dog’s Kennel Club registration
These schemes are designed to detect inherited joint problems such as:
-
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dislasia
- Early arthritic changes
Why is hip and elbow scoring important?
Many dogs with joint disease show very few signs early in life. Scoring allows us to:
-
- Identify silent joint problems early
- Reduce the risk of passing painful conditions on through breeding
- Help breeders make ethical mating choices
- Advise owners on exercise, weight management, and long-term joint care
The ultimate aim is to improve the overall health of future generations of dogs
How hip scores work (BVA/KC)
Each hip is assessed across nine different criteria, including:
-
- Joint laxity (looseness of the joint)
- Shape of the femoral head
- Depth of the hip socket
- Signs of arthritis
Each hip is scored separately. The two scores are then added together to give a total hip score.
Lower scores – healthier hip joints!
Scores are compared to breed-specific averages published by The Kennel Club
How elbow scores work (BVA/KC)
Each elbow is assessed across nine different criteria, including:
-
- 0 – Normal
- 1 – Mild changes
- 2 – Moderate changes
- 3 – Severe changes
The higher score from either elbow is the one officially recorded.
Lower scores – healthier elbow joints!
When can dogs be scored?
Under the BVA/KC schemes:
-
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old (some large breeds may have higher minimum ages)
- They must be permanently identified (microchip or tattoo linked to KC registration)
We can advise you if your dog is old enough and suitable for scoring.
What happens on the day?
When your dog comes in for BVA/KC schemes:
1 – we check your dog’s identity and paperwork
2 – a light general anaesthetic or heavy sedation is given
3 – precise xrays of hips and/or elbows are taken
4 – images are quality checked and submitted to the BVA
5 – your dog goes home the same day
Results are usually returned to you from the BVA/KC within a few weeks.
Pricing
To find out our latest pricing for hip and elbow scoring visit our Pricing page or you can email the team for a personalised estimate.
Please note : this is the pricing for the scoring assessment only performed by our vets. In addition there is a fee that you will need to pay to the BVA/KC. Please visit their website to find out more : www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes
Book your hip and / or elbow scoring assessment
If you are planning to breed from your dog or want clear insight into their joint health, the BVA/KC hip and elbow scoring is a valuable step.
To book your dogs hip / elbow scoring please give our team a call on 01653618303