GoVets is a brand new and well-equipped veterinary practice located around 10 minutes away from Manchester City Centre. We are committed to putting your pet first and providing exceptional service and care to our clients.
Contact Info
-
Address
Unit 1, Varley Industrial Estate, James Street, Manchester, M40 8EL
-
Phone
-
Email
© GoVets 2025, All Rights Reserved.
Ensure Your Dog’s Joint Health with Hip & Elbow Scoring
At GoVets Manchester, we offer hip and elbow scoring to assess the health of your dog’s joints, providing crucial insights for breeders, owners, and working dog handlers. Joint health is fundamental to your dog’s well-being, particularly in breeds prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Our RCVS-accredited veterinary team uses BVA/KC (British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club) scoring schemes, ensuring accurate assessments that help in responsible breeding and long-term canine health management.
What is Hip & Elbow Scoring?
Hip and elbow scoring is a veterinary radiographic assessment that evaluates the structure and condition of a dog’s hip and elbow joints. It is primarily used to detect developmental joint abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which are common in medium-to-large breeds.
Hip Scoring
- Assesses the ball-and-socket joint of the hip to check for malformation, laxity, and degenerative changes.
Elbow Scoring
- Evaluates the three bones forming the elbow joint to detect misalignment, abnormal wear, and joint deterioration.
The BVA/KC Hip & Elbow Scoring Scheme provides a numerical score, helping breeders select dogs with better joint health and enabling early intervention for those at risk.
Why is Hip & Elbow Scoring Important?
For Breeders
- Ensures responsible breeding by selecting dogs with healthier joints.
- Helps reduce the risk of inherited joint issues in future generations.
- Required by The Kennel Club for certain breeds before registration of litters.
For Dog Owners
- Detects joint issues before symptoms appear, allowing for preventive care.
- Guides treatment plans if early signs of dysplasia are found.
- Helps ensure a long, active, and pain-free life for your dog.
For Working & Sporting Dogs
- Confirms if a dog is fit for high-impact activities (agility, police work, assistance dogs, etc.).
- Helps prevent career-limiting injuries in working and sporting dogs.
Which Breeds Benefit from Hip & Elbow Scoring?
While any breed can develop joint issues, some are at higher risk. Hip and elbow scoring is particularly recommended for:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Newfoundlands
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Border Collies
- Dobermanns
- Boxers
- Springer Spaniels
If your breed is known to be predisposed to hip or elbow dysplasia, a scoring assessment is strongly advised.
How is Hip & Elbow Scoring Done?
Veterinary Consultation
Your dog undergoes a pre-screening health check to confirm they are suitable for radiographic assessment.
Sedation for X-Rays
To ensure accurate positioning and minimal stress, your dog is sedated before taking the X-rays.
Radiographic Imaging
We take high-resolution X-rays of your dog’s hip and/or elbow joints using advanced digital radiography.
Submission to the BVA Panel
The X-rays are sent to the BVA Hip & Elbow Scoring Panel, where a team of veterinary radiologists evaluates them using the official BVA/KC scoring system.
Scoring Results
Results are typically returned within a few weeks and include:
- Hip Score (0–106 total, with lower scores indicating healthier joints).
- Elbow Grade (0–3, with 0 being ideal and 3 indicating severe dysplasia).
Interpretation & Advice
Once the scores are received, our vets will explain the results, offer breeding advice if needed, and suggest preventive or therapeutic measures for joint health.
What Do the Hip & Elbow Scores Mean?
Hip Score Breakdown
- 0-4 (per hip): Excellent joint health.
- 5-10 (per hip): Acceptable for breeding.
- 11+ (per hip): Caution advised—consider additional factors before breeding.
The aim in breeding programs is to select dogs with scores lower than the breed average to improve joint health in future generations.
Elbow Score Breakdown
- Grade 0: Normal elbows—ideal for breeding.
- Grade 1: Mild changes—breeding may be considered cautiously.
- Grade 2-3: Moderate to severe dysplasia—breeding not recommended.
Our vets will provide detailed guidance based on your dog’s scores and health.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Hip & Elbow Scoring
Age Requirement
- Dogs must be at least 1 year old for an official BVA/KC hip & elbow score.
Fasting
- Your dog should not eat for 8 hours before the appointment (water is fine).
Health Check
- Ensure your dog is in good general health and not experiencing recent injuries.
Microchipping
- Your dog must be microchipped for official BVA scoring.
How Much Does Hip & Elbow Scoring Cost?
Our hip & elbow scoring service is competitively priced, ensuring affordability while maintaining the highest veterinary standards.
Contact us at 0161 202 1518 or email hello@govets.co.uk for the latest pricing and appointment availability.
Why Choose GoVets for Hip & Elbow Scoring?
Experienced Veterinary Team
- Trusted, RCVS-accredited vets with expertise in orthopaedic assessments.
State-of-the-Art Digital X-Ray Technology
- Ensuring clear, precise imaging for accurate scoring.
Comprehensive Results Interpretation
- We guide you through the scores and their implications.
Gentle & Stress-Free Handling
- We prioritise your dog’s comfort and safety throughout the process.
Trusted by Breeders & Owners
- We work with top breeders, working dog trainers, and pet owners across Manchester.
Book your dog’s hip & elbow scoring today!
- GoVets Manchester
- 0161 202 1518
- hello@govets.co.uk
- 1 James St, Manchester, M40 8EL
FAQs
Results from the BVA scoring panel typically take 3-4 weeks. We will notify you as soon as they arrive.
In the UK, dogs must be at least 12 months old to undergo official BVA/KC hip scoring. This ensures the hips are sufficiently developed for an accurate and reliable assessment.
For some large or slow-maturing breeds, your vet may recommend waiting slightly longer. If you are unsure, we are happy to advise on the most appropriate timing for your dog.
No, sedation is required to ensure accurate positioning and avoid stress.
It depends on the breed and intended use. Some breeds are more prone to hip issues, while others may also have elbow concerns. Our vets can advise based on your dog’s risk factors.
No! Even if you are not breeding, scoring can identify early joint issues, allowing for preventive care and better long-term health management.
Contact
Book Your Dog’s Hip & Elbow Scoring Appointment
Protect your dog’s joint health with expert veterinary screening at GoVets Manchester.
Call 0161 202 1518 or book online today!
GoVets Manchester
Local vet specialising in C-section for dogs, Microchipping, Vaccinations for cats & dogs.