HIP & ELBOWS IN AUSTRALIA
HIPS
In January 1982 the Hip Dysplasia Scheme was introduced
to the German Shepherd Dog fraternity in Australia. Hip Dysplasia is a
serious problem, found in many breeds including German Shepherd Dogs &
exists when the hip joint is badly constructed, hence the need to screen
animals by X-ray & only breed with animals that have been certified
free from any abnormality. Factors such as rate of growth, weight &
exercise may affect the severity & age at which this condition is
seen. It is a condition that in some instances is quite easily passed
by, because the dog shows no outward signs. At other times the dog clearly
exhibits signs of quite severe problems. The aged, dysplastic dog can
become arthritic which is a painful condition & the principal
disadvantage of Hip Dysplasia. The X-ray Scheme allows the National
Council to gather the genetic information to assist in lowering the
incidence of the problem of Hip Dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog. It
also gives breeders valuable information in selecting good hip-producing
stock.
The Scheme involves the X-raying of breeding stock at 12
months of age or older. The hip is a ball & socket joint, in which the
"ball" (Femoral Head) should fit tightly into the
"socket" (Acetabulum). The plate is then read by a radiologist,
scored & graded.
ELBOWS
The Elbow Scheme was introduced in 1993, involving the
X-raying of the animals elbows at 12 months of age. The presence of an united anconeal process & arthritic
changes are recorded. The X-ray plates are then submitted to a
radiologist to be read & graded.
The AVA/ANKC Hip
and Elbow Scheme Procedural Manual
INTRODUCTION
The AVA and ANKC have combined forces in a joint scheme
to reduce hip and elbow disease in registered pure bred dogs.
The important features of the scheme are:
·
the scheme commenced on 1 January 2000
·
administration of the scheme is via the AVA's ACT
Division
·
dogs assessed previously will not require further
assessment
·
application forms will be available from local
veterinary surgeons
·
radiography will be performed by veterinary surgeons at
their usual cost for radiographs plus radiology
·
assessment at $44.00 for hips and $13.20 for elbows
(both GST included) which includes $2.00 per hip
·
reading towards funding of canine research
·
poor quality radiographs must be repeated at the
veterinary surgeon's expense
·
hip and elbow assessment will be by members of the
Radiology Chapter of the Australian
College of Veterinary
Scientists on a roster basis
·
results are returned to the owner via the originating
veterinary surgeon who will normally store the radiographs
·
measures will be in place to ensure greater consistency
between readers
·
an explanation will be given where a dog may have scored
poorly
·
a sympathetic appeal system applies
·
statistics will be sent to Dr Willis for inclusion in
his Australian data base
ANKC plans to develop an open register, published on the
Internet site, which, subject to agreement of the owners, will provide hip
and elbow scores of those registered pure bred dogs which have positive
identification in the radiographs.
PROCEDURE FOR NEW APPLICATIONS
The Owner
An owner wishing to have a dog assessed for hips and/or
elbows:
·
arranges for appropriate radiographs to be taken at any
veterinary surgery
·
completes the AVA/ANKC form provided by the
veterinarian, including a statement on whether the result is to be included
in the open register advises the veterinarian whether the dog has or
requires positive identification by microchip or tattoo for inclusion on
the radiographs. (Note: only those with positive identification included on
the radiographs will receive recognition by ANKC)
·
pays the respective fees, including $44.00 for hip
and/or $13.20 for elbow assessment
·
in due course,
receives results via the officiating veterinarian.
The Officiating Veterinarian
The veterinarian taking the radiographs:
·
where necessary, advises
whether hip and/or elbow assessment is desirable, according to breed,
condition, breeding intentions, age, etc.
·
provides the form and ensures that it is completed
properly
·
determines whether the dog has or requires positive
identification by microchip or tattoo for inclusion on the radiographs
·
quotes the respective fees, including $44.00 for hip
assessment and/or $13.20 for elbow assessment takes the radiograph,
including positive identification where required
·
receives payment of fees due
·
forwards the radiographs, fees and form to the AVA
National Office in due course, receives back the radiographs and one copy
of the form with results entered
·
stores the radiographs
·
provides the owner with the form containing the results
·
advises on the significance
of the result.
PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS
(a) The Owner
The owner wishing to appeal against the assessment:
·
arranges for their veterinarian to forward the
radiographs and completed appeal form with the fee of $44.00 to AVA
National Office
·
receives the result of the
appeal from their veterinarian in due course.
(b) The Officiating Veterinarian
The officiating veterinarian:
·
provides the owner with an appeal form and assists with
its completion
·
sends the appeal completed form, the $44.00 fee and
radiographs to the AVA National Office
·
receives the result and radiographs in due course
·
stores the radiographs
·
advises the owner of the
result and significance.
(c) Readers
The appeal reader:
·
receives the appeal form and radiographs
·
assesses the radiographs independently
·
advises the AVA ACT Division of the result
·
if the appeal result differs significantly from the
original then the readers confer and reach agreement on the final result
·
returns the radiographs and
advises the final result to AVA National Office.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Analysis
For Current Australian Breed Averages click here.
AVA / ANKC Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
(CHEDS)
In January 2000, The AVA and ANKC combined forces in a joint scheme to reduce
hip and elbow disease in registered pure bred dogs. Administration of the
Scheme is now based at the AVA's Canberra Office, where x-rays are then
forwarded to a rostered member of the Radiology Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists for
hip and elbow assessment. Once x-rays are assessed they are sent back to
the AVA for recording and then returned to the veterinary surgeon. Owners
should expect results to be at their veterinary surgeons within 3 - 4
weeks.
How much does assessment cost?
$44.00 for hips and $13.20 for elbows (both GST included) which
includes a $2.00 per hip reading levy towards funding of canine research.
Where do I send submissions?
X-rays should be sent to the:
AVA Canberra Office
PO Box 4257
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Where can I get application forms?
Contact Maria Bond on 02 6239 5928 or email avaact@ava.com.au.
To download a credit card
payment form click here.
Alternatively, contact the White German
How long till I get the results
back?
Owners should expect results to be at their veterinary surgeons within 3 -
4 weeks.
(Please note x-rays sent to other AVA
offices will be delayed as they will need to be forwarded to Canberra)
What needs to be sent to AVA Hip
and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme?
Correctly labelled radiographs Fully completed forms (please send all
three (3) copies) Correct payment - Cheque or Credit Card payment accepted
(Sorry no AMEX)
POSITIONING
Hips
1. Ventrodorsal pelvis with hips extended
2. Ilial wings are the same size and shape
3. Obturator foraminae are the size and shape
4. Femurs are parallel to each other, the tabletop and the ilial bodies
5. Patellas are centered over the ipsilateral femoral trochleas
6. Acetabular rim is visible through the femoral head
Elbows
1. Fully flexed lateral of both the left and right elbow
2. Gently flex the elbow as far as possible
3. Take care not to push the elbow under the pectoral muscles or sternum
Helpful tips
1. Use a flat pad under the pelvis so that the patient is less inclined to
tilt to one side
2. Bring the stifles to the mid-line (touching each other) BEFORE extending
the femurs
3.Use adequate chemical restraint (general anaesthetic) to minimise patient
movement
4. COLLIMATE
5. Develop a pelvis technique chart to reduce the need for repeat
radiographs
RADIOGRAPH LABELS must be clear,
indelible and include:
1. Date of radiography
2. Animal registered name and/or number
3. Microchip or Tattoo number
4. Client surname
5. Left AND Right position marker
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
1. Please ensure that you include at least one positive identification
number on the AVA/ANKC Hip and Elbow Dysplasia forms (e.g. kennel club
number, microchip number or animal tattoo)
2. The dog needs to be at least twelve months of age when the radiographs
are taken for a score to be given.
3. The details given on the radiographs must match the details on the
corresponding AVA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Report forms
4. The labels must be indelible (i.e. part of the radiograph
pre-development). Adhesive labels WILL NOT be
accepted
5. Please ensure all three (3) copies are returned to the AVA with
radiographs. Photocopies WILL NOT be accepted
6. Australia Post and the AVA take no responsibility for x-rays bending;
please ensure that x-rays are protected with cardboard when posted. We also
advise against sending x-rays in mailing tubes.
International Hip Score Comparison Table
This table is provided as an un-official
means of comparing international hip scores, as there is currently no
official FCI comparison data available for all countries listed here. Total
accuracy cannot therefore be guaranteed.
|
Classif-ication
|
Classification
|
FINLAND
|
NETHERLANDS
|
GERMANY
|
SWEDEN
|
SWITZERLAND
|
USA
|
GREAT BRITAIN
/AUSTRALIA
|
Classification
|
|
A1
|
No signs of hip
dysplasia
|
El - dysplasiaa
"hyval"
|
Negatief geheel
gaaf (1)
|
Kein Hinweis fuer
HD
|
Utmark
|
Frei
|
Excellent
|
Total score of
0 - 4
|
A1
|
|
A2
|
No signs of hip
dysplasia
|
El - dysplasiaa
|
Negatief niet
geheel gaaf (2)
|
Kein Hinweis fuer
HD
|
UA
|
Frei
|
Good
|
Total score of
5 - 10
|
A2
|
|
B1
|
Transitional Case
|
Rajatapaus
|
Transitional Case
(Tc)
|
Obergangs - form
verdaechtig fuer HD
|
UA
|
Frei
|
Fair
|
Total score of 11
- 18
|
B1
|
|
B2
|
Transitional Case
|
Rajatapaus
|
Transitional Case
(Tc)
|
Obergangs - form
verdaechtig fuer HD
|
I
|
I
|
Borderline
|
Total score of
18+
|
B2
|
|
C1
|
Mild
|
I
|
Licht positief
(3)
|
Leichte HD
|
I
|
I
|
Mild HD
|
Total score of
18+
|
C1
|
|
C2
|
Mild
|
I
|
Licht positief
(3)
|
Leichte HD
|
I
|
I
|
Mild HD
|
Total score of
18+
|
C2
|
|
D1
|
Moderate
|
II
|
Positief (3.5)
|
Mittlere HD
|
II
|
II
|
Moderate HD
|
Total score of
18+
|
D1
|
|
D2
|
Moderate
|
II
|
Positief (4)
|
Mittlere HD
|
II
|
II
|
Moderate HD
|
Total score of
18+
|
D2
|
|
E1
|
Severe
|
III
|
Positief (4)
|
Schwere HD
|
III
|
III
|
Severe
|
Total score of
18+
|
E1
|
|
E2
|
Severe
|
IV
|
Positief optima
forma (5)
|
Schwere HD
|
IV
|
IV
|
Severe
|
Total score of
18+
|
E2
|
