BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme

The main purpose of the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club (BVA/KC) Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is the examination of radiographs of elbows of dogs for elbow dysplasia and the issue of a certificate in respect of that examination.

Elbow Dysplasia (ED) describes the abnormal development of the elbow. The term includes a number of specific abnormalities, which affect different sites in the joint. They cause problems by affecting the growth of the cartilage which forms the surface of the joint, or the structures around it. These abnormalities, called primary lesions, then start a secondary osteoarthritic process.

A grade for each elbow is calculated from the presence of the primary lesions and the size and extent of the secondary lesions. The overall grade for an animal is simply the higher of the two individual grades. The grades for each elbow are not added together as they are for the two hips in the hip dysplasia scheme.

The grading system is as follows:

• 0 - Normal
• 1 - Mild ED
• 2 - Moderate ED or a primary lesion
• 3 - Severe ED

The BVA advise breeders to select dogs with grades of 0 or 1 in order to reduce the risk of ED in their offspring.