I'm having my lab hip scored quite soon. I'm a bit confused about elbow scoring. I never had my other labs' elbows done. As far as I know they just mark them as either affected or unaffected. What are the opinions on elbows. If they are affected is it usually a hereditary thing? Would it make much difference to the amount or exercise or in breeding a bitch with affected elbows?

Lorna

The vet that does my labs hips does not believe in scoring elbows. He says that if you are going to do the elbows then you may as well do knees and shoulders while your there!!!!!!!!!
I know a breeder who has had elbows done and then was really disappointed when they came back graded 2. He has still been used at stud!
Will be interested to see what John and Mattie think.

I must admit that in the past I have never had elbows done and have never thought it necessary. Over the last couple of years though I have heard of so many working Labs with elbow and shoulder problems that I think if I was going to breed a litter now I would be wanting to know. Quite a few of the working people have started testing so it is getting more accepted.

Regards, John