Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Dog Orthopedic Screening Programmes

Breed-specific orthopedic screening for hip and elbow dysplasia identifies breeding dogs with improved joint health, reducing inherited suffering in offspring.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects up to 70% of some large and giant breed dogs without selection
BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme uses radiographs to score hip joint quality
Only dogs scoring below breed median should ideally be used for breeding
Elbow dysplasia schemes run in parallel with hip schemes for susceptible breeds
Genetic testing is complementary to radiographic scoring in reducing disease incidence

Welfare Considerations

Hip and elbow dysplasia cause chronic painful arthritis that significantly reduces quality of life for affected dogs. Breeding selection using screening schemes is effective at reducing population disease prevalence when widely adopted. Breeders who bypass screening contribute to preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Only purchase dogs from breeders who participate in orthopedic screening schemes
Support Kennel Club and BVA initiatives to mandate health testing for breeds at risk
Advocate for health testing requirements in breed registration standards