OFA - Elbow Dysplasia Scheme

For elbow evaluations, there are no grades for a radiographically normal elbow. The only grades involved are for abnormal elbows with radiographic changes associated with secondary degenerative joint disease. Like the hip certification, the OFA will not certify a normal elbow until the dog is 2 years of age. The OFA also accepts preliminary elbow radiographs. To date, there are no long term studies for preliminary elbow examinations like there are for hips, however, preliminary screening for elbows along with hips can also provide valuable information to the breeder.

• Grade I Elbow Dysplasia: Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 2mm).
• Grade II Elbow Dysplasia: Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (2-5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).
• Grade III Elbow Dysplasia: Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than than 5 mm

Possible Test Results :

• 0/0 = 0
• 0/1 = 1
• 0/2 = 2
• 0/3 = 3
• 1/0 = 1
• 1/1 = 1
• 1/2 = 2
• 1/3 = 3
• 2/0 = 2
• 2/1 = 2
• 2/2 = 2
• 2/3 = 3
• 3/0 = 3
• 3/1 = 3
• 3/2 = 3
• 3/3 = 3