could someone let me know how they arrive at hip scores and what the procodure is? also is it absolutely necessary for my labrador to have an eye score done? also what does this entail, the cost and does she need a general anesthetic again?

Firstly there is no such thing as an eye score, it's a straight forward pass or fail in the case of a Labrador. Because eyes can deterate the eye test should be repeated at yearly intervals.

Hips are a rather more complicated matter. The hips are ex-rayed and the plates are submitted by the vet to be checked. 9 features are checked, these being concerned with different aspects of the shape of the femoral and pelvic socket. Marks are then awarded for each of these features. The minimum is 0 for a perfect hip and maximum mark is 53 for the worst possible case. The score is shown by two figures such as 5/6. 5 being the score for the right hip and 6 the score for the left. It is usual when talking hips to add the score of both sides together so in this case we would say the score is 11. The average for a Labrador is around 16.

As to whether you should have your hips and eyes tested, if you ever intend to breed then really you should to try to ensure that the puppies are going to be as healthy as possible. Also if you intend to work your dog then it’s as well to know you are not going to risk damaging your dog’s hips by jumping over fences or the like. One other reason for testing is to assist your breeder to get as accurate as possible picture of what the bitch and stud dog are producing.

Regards, John

John, where eye testing is concerened do you have a list of partisipating vets? If so could you e-mail please. I have found it is calmer for some excitable dogs to have it done at the surgery and not at shows or mass testing groups. Thanks Jackie H

Hi Jackie,
John & I are running a session next Tuesday, with Prof. Peter Bedford. We always insist that if dogs are nervous or wary they stay in the car until the last possible minute. Also we do have a quieter period towards the end of the evening, So if you live near us then do come along.

Hi Jackie. Yes, I do have a list but unfortunately not your email addy. If you like to email me I'll let you have the info you want. Incidentally I was surprised you managed to have eyes tested without the eye drops, these are to dilate the pupil and is the approved method.

Best Wishes, John :)

The vet I went to saw my dogs one at a time, sat them on the table, turned off the lights and said 'now then' or some such and looked into their eyes. After the first I asked how he managed to do it with out the drops and he said if you are quick you take them by suprise and the pupils are in the right condition for the examination, can't remember if it was dilated or not, but the dogs were as good as gold even the one I thought would be impossiable. I have e-mailed you and thank you for your help. Jackie H

Hi,
Where do you live? I am organising an eye testing session at Haddenham near Thame Oxfordshire, next Tuesday evening, (Feb 12th). For eye testing your dog does not need an anesthetic, the test takes a few minutes, but you must allow at least half an hour for the eye drops to work. You will need to take your KC reg with you.
I have recently replied at length about hip scoring to another enquiry here. Perhaps you would like to email me or ring and I will go over it again. Email foxpath4@hotmail.com or 01844 299508
Eye testing and hip scoring are essential before you breed from your dog or bitch. Although you can not guarantee a puppy free of any hereditary disease, you are liable under the Sale of Goods, if a puppy turns out to have an inherited problem. By testing your stock, you are minimising the risk, if you are unfortunate enough to have a problem, puppy buyers are more willing to be understanding if you can show you have tested your stock prior to breeding. Most puppy buyers thse days will ask to see your British Veterinary Association / Kennel Club test certificates.

Hi Polly I've been to your sessions many times when I lived in Leighton Buzzard but I live in Linconshire now and took them to a private vet last year and he did it without the drops which seemed quicker and less stress for the dogs. I think John & Co are from the south too and wondered if there was a list, does seem it would be usefull. Thanks for your replies. JH

There is a list of examiners (but not sessions)
here and they should be able to let you know if there is a session coming up in your area.

Eye testing sessions are also listed in the weekly dog papers Dog World and Our Dogs

Christine