I'm looking at having my bitch hip scored, she is a year old in a few days time and is in the middle of her first season. I was wondering when the best time to do it would be. I am not looking to breed from her, I merely want to check her hips are okay as I would like to start taking her to agility. I have heard that the score can possibly be adversely affected if it is done too close to a season. Does 3 months after the start of her season sound like a reasonable time? She would be 14 ½ months then or is this too young still (I know that the bones fuse at 12 months and that this is the earliest time the KC will accept plates). I could wait until her next season and have her scored after that but then she will be about two years of age (approximately, as both her dam and a bitch from a previous litter (this was a repeat mating) have seasons that are 8 months apart). I know I can take her to agility without having her scored but would rather do it for my peace of mind. I am also having her sedated rather that anaesthetised when the hip scoring is done.

I would welcome any thoughts on this matter.

Midway between seasons is usually considered best. Say 4 months after the start of her season.
:)