Hip and elbow dysplasia

Dysplasia scoring over the Christmas period........

X-rays will next be scored during the third week of January 2012 - and every two weeks after that for the rest of the year.

Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!

The programme

Dysplasia is a condition caused by osteochondrosis, a genetic, progressive disease of cartilage and bone and is often a cause of lameness in young large-breed dogs. It develops primarily in the first twelve months of age and, particularly in young dogs, can be difficult to diagnose. The NZVA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia scheme provides veterinarians with a scheme for accurate evaluation of hip and elbow dysplasia in affected breeds of dogs.

What's involved

Veterinarians are required to submit radiographic plates and supporting documentation to our panel of veterinarians trained in the precise reading of canine joint radiographs.  The plates are evaluated, graded and certified by at least two of our panellists according to the degree of osteoarthritic changes. Results are recorded on our register which provides information by breed. An independent veterinary radiologist will act as a referee if necessary.

The benefits

Selective breeding only from dogs with known good hip and elbow joints can reduce the incidence of dysplasia in future generations. This quality assurance programme helps veterinarians score dysplasia and identify and categorise dogs with 'excellent', 'good', 'suspect' or 'bad' joints.

To register for our Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme please contact nzva [at] vets [dot] org [dot] nz

Resources

See our latest Hip Dysplasia results.

See our latest Elbow Dysplasia results.

Explanation of the NZVA Hip Dysplasia scoring system.

Explanation of the NZVA Elbow Dysplasia scoring system.

Find out more about the costs and further information.

Order submission forms.