Hip Scoring

There have been a number of cases of hip dysplasia in the breed.  It is generally accepted that hip scoring breeding “stock” gives a useful insight into the status of their hips.  This can obviously form part of a picture when breeding from that dog.

The breed median score for Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla as published by the BVA in June 2015 is 11.  The recommendation from the BVA is that dogs to be bred from have hip scores around or ideally below the breed median score and that the scores of other closely related dogs are also considered. Information on Hip Scoring

Interpretation and use of BVA/KC hip scores in dogs by Ruth Dennis

The British Veterinary Association is the only hip scoring system in the UK but there are several, equally respected, systems around the world. With imaging being able to be sent electronically anywhere in the world it has opened these schemes to breeders and owners. The system most comparable, in that it gives a numerical score, to the BVA scheme is the Australian National Kennel Club scheme.

The current system used for scoring radiographs for hip dysplasia in Australia is based the system devised and used by the BVA/KC. There are nine criteria to be evaluated. Scores between 0 and 6 are allocated for all criteria, except the caudal acetabular edge, for which the maximum score is 5. Higher scores indicate greater degrees of radiographic abnormality. The scores for the right and left joints are added to give a total hip score but the status of the worst individual hip is used for grading purposes where grading systems [as in Europe] are used.

As long as breeders/owners and puppy researchers compare the score they have to the breed average and mean in the country the system is rooted in it will give an indication of whether the score is acceptable or otherwise. Comparison of the AKNC score to the BVA score/system will not give an accurate comparison. Breeders/owners are now beginning to use the AKNC system for convenience and efficient turn arounds. The Kennel Club will not record any other scheme other then the BVA scheme, on their database, this also applies for many other health tests carried out in countries other than the UK.

The breed average and mean in Australia is 7.29 and 6.0. These are scores updated daily and have been collated since 2016.

http://orchid.ankc.org.au/Home/HipScores

If you are researching a puppy or stud dog that doesn’t have health test results on the Kennel Club database this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t health tested. Ask if there are health test results from another scheme but make sure you see proof in the form of a certificate.