could anyone please explain to me whats involved when you have hip scoring done.Is it just an x-ray or does it involve any physical pressure put on the dogs.I know once someone said to me they wouldnt get their Lab done cause they didnt think it was fair to pull it's hips around so much????
Also how does the scoring system work ,is a low number good or is high good? what is too high ???Do you have both Male and Bitches done?

If it's to long to explain is there a site I can go too ,to find relevant info on.Thanks

I have to say that the reasons your acquaintance gave sound to me remarkably like an excuse for not bothering.

If you look at the may some dogs lay with their back legs out behind them, that's pretty much how the vet positions them. I was present in the room when my Anna was x-rayed and there was nothing done which I could possibly object to. Indeed, if damage was done then there would never be any 0/0 scores out there.

In the UK a score is out of a possible 106, (53 for each side) low good high bad. The vet takes the x-rays and sends the plates to the KC/BVA panel for evaluating. The clearances shape and angles are measured making a total of nine features checked, points being given to any departure from the ideal. Both dogs and bitches should be scored.

Best wishes, John

Hi,
Hip-scoring involves an x-ray done under general anaesthetic (so that the muscles are relaxed and the vet can correctly position the dog without fear of it moving). The dog is placed on its back with the hindlegs stretched out straight.
Scoring-wise, the lower the number the better, 0:0 (0 total) being perfect and 53:53 (106 total) the very worst. Both dogs and bitches should be scored, and ideally only those with average or better scores (varies with the breed) should be bred from.
Hope this helps.
:)

it is possible to cause a dog to have pain when its had its hips scored but usually only those with hip displaysia suffer discomfort afterwards and its usually only for a short time which accompanies the g.a weraing off anyway. There is no excuse for not getting your dogs hips scored as if they have a good set of hips they will suffer no ill effects and if they have bad hips then yes they may be sore for a day or two but then you know and can limit excercise straight away and be aware that the dog may suffer in later life.

hi maddy, i got my boy hipscored at one year old and he was put under by vet and they x-rayed hips. The vet told me from what he saw i would be recieving a low score if not perfect! It came back 2/2 which is good. His mum was a 5/3 and dad 0/0 so hence the off-springs low hip score! In our breed (siberian huskies) most breeders like to keep combined scores of no more than 14 (i would prefer under 10). I have read articles saying the longer you leave hip scoring the worse the score? not sure on this but i suppose with age of course bones detitorate.
good luck