1). THE SCHEME The main purposes of the scheme are the examination of x-rays of
hips of dogs for hip dysplasia and the issue of a certificate in respect
of the examination. The x-rays are examined for any anatomical and pathological
changes suggestive of hip dysplasia, and a score is recorded. This score,
and its relation to the Breed Mean Score, is intended to assist dog
breeders in their selection of breeding stock. Dogs therefore with high
HD. scores should not be used for breeding.
2). ARRANGING FOR X-RAY AND SUBMISSION TO THE SCHEME.
The owner should approach his/her vets. and request the dog to be submitted
for scoring under the scheme. The following procedure should be observed.
a) The minimum age of a dog for submission under
the scheme is one year.There is no upper age limit;
b) Suitable arrangements must be made with the vet.
for the dogs hips to be x-rayed;
c) The following documents must be made available
at the time of x-ray-
(i) The Kennel Club Registration Certificate of the dog if it is registered
with the KC.
(II) Any related transfer or change of name certificate;
d) Prior to x-ray the dog owner must complete and
sign the first section of the certificate(the owner's declaration) verifying
that the details given relate to the dog being submitted, that the details
are correct and granting permission for the results to be used in the
ways specified. The certificates are provided by the BVA.
NB Once a certificate of HD. scoring has been issued for a dog, the
dog may not be resubmitted for scoring under the Scheme.
3) Procedure for X-Ray of Hips
A ventro-dorsal x-ray of the pelvis is required for scoring. The vet.
should x-ray the dogs hips as indicated below.
3.1 Protection of Personnel
The guidance notes for the protection against ionising radiations from
veterinary use(1988) explain that only in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances
should dogs be mannually restrained for x-ray.
Since the x-ray of dogs for the purposes of this Scheme would not constitute
exceptional circumstances:
a). it is NECESSARY to employ general anaesthesia, narcosis or deep
sedation to enable only medical(ie non manual) restraint for the positioning
of the animal;
b) collimation of the primary beam should be clearly visible on the
x-ray.
3.2 Positioning
The dog should be placed on its back with the pelvis in the middle of
the cassette and the x-ray beam centred on the midline between the hips.
The head and the body should be supported in a straight
line by a cradle or blocks at the thorax to prevent rotation.
The hind legs should be fully extended and abducted,
and they should be inwardly rotated so that the patellae lie centrally
in the trochlear grooves.
NB. Radiographs which are nor correctly positioned
will be returned to the vets and another x-ray requested.
3.3 Markers and identification.
The KC. Reg number or if not registered an appropriate form of identification.
The date of x-ray.
Left and/or right markers.
NB. Incorrect identification will be returned.
3.4 Image Quality.
Correct exposure and quality is essential, screen contamination, splashes,
scratches etc. should be avoided.
NB. Radiographs which are not of acceptable diagnostic
quality will be returned.
4. Submission and scoring.
The Vet sends the x-ray to the BVA. and the HD. certificate,
having signed the middle part to certify-
the details regarding the submission of the x-ray,
the microchip or tattoo number once verified.
5. Breed Mean Score.
The breed mean score is calculated from ALL the scores recorded for
a given breed (both high and low) and gives a representation of the
overall HD status for the dogs scored in that breed. A copy of the current
sheet giving the breed means scores will be enclosed on receipt of the
x-rays.
6. Results.
Results are usually returned to the vets within three weeks of submission.
7. Appeals Procedure.
An owner has a right to appeal with regard to the results of a HD score.
The procedure shall be as follows:
Any application for appeal against the result of a HD score must be
lodged by the owner with BVA. in writing within 45 days from the date
of dispatch from BVA. The Vet must resubmit the same x-ray used for
scoring. to BVA within a reasonable period of time. An appeal certificate
must be completed in a similar way to the HD. certificate and submitted
with the x-ray together with the re-scoring fee £39.79 (46.75).
The x-ray will be re-scored by the Chief Scrutineer, whose decision
is final, and the new score results will be relayed in the normal way.
