Understanding Hip and Elbow Scores for Golden Retrievers What to Look For

When considering bringing a Golden Retriever puppy into your home, one of the most important factors to evaluate is the health of the puppy's hips and elbows. These two areas are critical for the overall mobility and quality of life of your dog. Understanding hip and elbow scores can help you make an informed decision when selecting a puppy. This blog post will delve into what these tests show, what scores to look for, and the implications of high scores.

Poppy, age 12, in the heather.

What Do the Hip and Elbow Tests Show?

The hip and elbow tests are diagnostic tools used to assess the conformation and health of a dog's joints. For Golden Retrievers, these tests are particularly important due to their predisposition to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Similarly, elbow dysplasia refers to a group of inherited conditions that affect the elbow joint, causing lameness and discomfort.

The tests involve X-rays taken under anaesthesia, which are then evaluated by veterinary radiologists. The results are scored based on the degree of dysplasia present.

Both golden retriever parents should have these tests, and the results should be made available to the new puppy parents and on the Kennel Club Health Test Finder. If the tests are done by the BVA and logged on the Kennel Club, you should be able to see a history of generations of hip and elbow scores, as well as the Estimated Breed Values (EBVs) discussed later in this post.

What Score Should a New Puppy Owner Look For?

When evaluating hip and elbow scores, it's essential to understand the grading system. For hips, the scores range from 0 to 106, with lower scores indicating better hip conformation. A score of 0-3 is considered excellent, while a score of 4-10 is acceptable. Scores above 10 indicate varying degrees of risk of dysplasia.

For elbows, the scoring is simpler, with grades ranging from 0 to 3. A score of 0 indicates normal elbows, while scores of 1-3 indicate varying degrees of dysplasia.

As a new puppy owner, you should aim for both Golden Retriever parents to have a hip score of 0-10 and an elbow score of 0.

What Score is Bad?

Scores that suggest a higher risk of dysplasia are deemed unfavorable. For hips, a score exceeding 10 is worrisome, as it implies a considerable risk of developing arthritis and other joint problems. For elbows, any score above 0 indicates some degree of dysplasia, with scores ranging from 1 to 3 being increasingly severe.

A puppy with high hip or elbow scores may face mobility issues as they age, leading to decreased quality of life and ongoing costs for the owner.

What Could Happen if You Get a Puppy with a High Hip Score or a High Elbow Score?

Acquiring a puppy with high hip or elbow scores can lead to several potential health issues.

For hip dysplasia, the dog may experience pain, difficulty in movement, and a higher likelihood of developing arthritis. This can lead to a need for pain management, physical therapy, or even surgical interventions in severe cases.

Similarly, a puppy with high elbow scores may suffer from lameness, joint pain, and a reduced ability to engage in physical activities. This can significantly impact their overall happiness and well-being.

Jasmine age 3, is climbing a mountain.

Will the EBVs on the UK Kennel Club Replace Hip X-rays? Are They a Good Guess?

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are a relatively new tool used in the UK to assess the genetic potential of breeding dogs. They provide an estimate of the likelihood that a dog will pass on certain traits, including hip and elbow health.

While EBVs can be a helpful guide, they should not replace traditional hip X-rays. EBVs are based on statistical models and can provide a good guess, but they do not offer the definitive assessment that X-rays provide.

Breeders may use EBVs as part of their selection process, but it is still crucial to have the parents X-rayed to ensure the puppy's health.

Although EBVs are a great concept, they have limitations. During COVID, the BVA faced challenges in scoring x-rays promptly. During this period, many breeders switched to alternative scoring systems like OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - USA) or ANKC (Australian Kennel Club) because they were faster. However, the KC does not recognize these scoring systems, so they are not included in the KC health finder. As a result, generations of dogs' scores are missing, making EBVs inaccurate. This is unfortunate, as EBVs could be a very beneficial tool for breeders.

Why Do Breeders Not Do the X-ray?

There are several reasons why some breeders may not perform X-rays on their breeding dogs.

1. Cost: X-rays can be expensive, and some breeders may not want to incur the costs associated with them. Depending on where you live, costs can be between £400 to £1000 for each dog.

   
   

2. Lack of Awareness: Some breeders may not fully understand the importance of hip and elbow testing and may not prioritise it in their breeding programs.

   
   

3. Genetic Testing: Some breeders may rely solely on genetic testing and EBVs, believing that these methods are sufficient for assessing the health of their breeding stock.

   
   

4. Time Constraints: The process of scheduling and performing X-rays can be time-consuming, and some breeders may not prioritise it in their breeding practices.

   
   

No matter the reasons, potential puppy owners must inquire about breeders' testing practices and secure copies of the scoring certificates before visiting the puppies.

Rosie and her grown-up puppies are playing on a log.

Conclusion

Understanding hip and elbow scores is crucial for any prospective Golden Retriever owner. By knowing what scores to look for and the implications of high scores, you can make a more informed decision when selecting a puppy.

Always prioritise health testing and seek out responsible breeders who value the health and well-being of their dogs. This will not only ensure a happier and healthier puppy but also contribute to the overall improvement of the breed.

In the end, a little research and diligence can go a long way in ensuring that your new furry friend has a long, active, and healthy life.

Action - Ask to see both mum and dad's hip and elbow score certificates before you go and see the puppies.

( You ask to see the certificates before you go and see the puppies. This ensures you do not get emotionally involved in the puppies before you know if they are healthy.)