Hip and Elbow Scoring
Alternatives to the suspended BVA Scheme
compiled by Brigitte Mordan-Grimm, January 1st 2021
SEA members who breed are required to check their Eurasiers’ hips and elbows (No 25, Code of Ethics), both of which are normally scored by the BVA (British Veterinary Association). As of late December 2020, the scoring by the BVA has been suspended due to Covid-19, so for those who need their scores fairly urgently, we recommend the following 2 schemes:
America/OFA and Australia/ANKC
FCI scores usually go through a Eurasier club, which can make it a bit more work for the applicant.
Mention to the veterinarian that you will want your Eurasier’s joint images scored abroad, as they are probably aware of the BVA scoring having been suspended, and might therefore be reluctant to perform them.
OFA has a different grading system for hips to the BVA/ANKC and FCI, but they are all comparable.
Elbow scores are basically the same in all schemes
Quick facts for hip scoring
- BVA and Australia have the same scoring system
- America and FCI have a different scoring system
- All scores are perfectly comparable
- There is no disadvantage or advantage to a particular scheme
- SEA accepts any official scoring scheme, be it the BVA, FCI, Australia or OFA, for any imported Eurasier, as well as overseas sires
- The KC accepts any official scoring scheme for their Assured Breeder Scheme
- The KC records those scores if sent in, but they are not available on the KC Health Test Results Finder
Submitting to OFA/America
OFA has a different grading system to the BVA/Australia, but results are perfectly comparable.
OFA only accepts submissions for dogs X-rayed after their second birthday; if the dog is younger, it is scored as a ‘preliminary result’. SEA will accept either.
A link to the Screening Procedure
Submission Process
To submit the x-rays either online, or download and fill in the form at https://www.ofa.org/application-forms
OFA accept JPG, JPEG, PNG and DICOM image file formats.
Cost: Over 2 years: Hips & Elbows $40, Hips or elbows only $35. Under 2 years (30/30; 40) https://www.ofa.org/about/ofa-fees
Reports are sent to the veterinarian and owner on completion of the evaluation.
Turn-around time for ‘preliminary results’ (up to 2 years of age) - 1 week,
2 years + 2-3 weeks
Breed statistics are available at https://www.ofa.org/diseases/breed-statistics#detail
Submitting to ANKC/Australia
Canine Hip and Elbow Scheme – general information
Submission Process
The scheme is open to all dogs of at least one year of age (like the BVA)
- Arrange for appropriate x-rays (in DICOM format, NOT jpg!) to be taken at a veterinary surgery, ensuring the dog’s identity is confirmed by microchip
- Complete the form (ANKC Ltd CHEDS, available at ankc.org.au)
- Cost: $100.00 for hips & elbows, $80 for hips alone or $25 for elbows alone
- Chose an assessor from the list of ANKC authorised panelists on the ANKC website https://www.orchid.ankc.org.au/
- Results will be returned to the owner and copies sent to veterinarian
- Turn-around time: 24 hours to a few days
For the majority of panellists you just need to complete the form at http://ankc.org.au/media/9184/ankc-cheds-report-submission-form.pdf and submit by email with X-rays; subsequently arrange payment.
One panellist has an online process, which removes the need to complete a paper form. Also, the payment can be made by card at the time of submission. http://www.vetscoring.com/
X-rays can be submitted by the owner or veterinarian as required.
Copies will be sent to the owner and veterinarian.
The ANKC publish current averages, but Eurasiers are not yet included.
For questions and to submit any scores obtained overseas, please contact the UK Health Coordinator.
