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Advice on Lab Hip Scoring & Eye Screening PetPlanet Vets PPAdmin pettalk@petplanet.co.uk |
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Dear Chris, Labradors are one of the breeds of dogs prone to getting Hip Dysplasia. If you are planning on breeding from a Labrador bitch you will first need to have her hip scored and have her eyes tested for inheritable eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The eye problems are less common than the hip problems. Both parents should have had a low hip score { ideally > 16 in total for each dog } and have a certificate to show this and an up to date certificate to show that they are clear of eye problems.The hip are scored by taking an Xray under a general anaesthetic at your vets. This is then sent off to the British VeterinaryAssociation where it is examined by a panel of experts. They mark different aspects of the hip joints, doing each leg separately and add up the results. So the higher the mark, the worse the hip is. The worst possible score is 56 for each hip or 108 all together, the best is 0. In Labradors you should ideally be looking for a score of less than 16 in total or it would be better not to breed from the bitch. This Xray can only be taken once when the bitch is over 12 months old. You cannot apply again in the hope of getting a better score. The eyes cannot be tested on a pup as the conditions we are concerned with do not develop until they are an adult. They bitch should bechecked every year from 1 year old. This cannot be done by an ordinary vet -a eye specialist does this - often organised at events by breed clubs or at shows. This is done in a conscious dog, it only takes a few minutes and a report is given immediately. This should be done every year and an up to date certificate obtained. Dogs can develop problems after they have beenused for breeding, in which case they must not be used any more, but related dogs and off-spring may be affected. Not all breeders have their dogs eye tested, but areputable one will have them done as well as the hip score. It is the only way that we will reduce the problem in the breed.The Kennel Club or the breed club will be able to give you more information about this and about registration,etc. Hope this helps,Maeve Moorcroft MVB MRCVS ( Pet Planet Vet }
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