BVA Hip and Elbow Scoring
BVA Hip and Elbow Scoring for Dogs
Rock House Vets provides BVA hip and elbow scoring for dogs from Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands. We take the X-rays in-house under general anaesthetic, submit them to the BVA panel on your behalf, and talk you through the results once they arrive. Scoring is recommended for any dog entering a breeding programme, and for owners of breeds with a known predisposition to hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia who want an early, objective picture of their dog’s joint health.
What Hip and Elbow Scoring Involves
Your dog is admitted for a short general anaesthetic, which keeps them relaxed and correctly positioned for the X-ray. Hip scoring requires a single view of both hips; elbow scoring requires a separate view of each elbow. We check the films for quality before submitting them to the BVA panel, where two independent scrutineers assess and score the joints. Results are usually returned within a week of submission, and we will contact you as soon as they arrive.
Before Your Dog’s Appointment
Your dog must be at least twelve months old and permanently identified by microchip or tattoo. Please bring their Kennel Club registration certificate, and any transfer certificate if ownership has changed, so the correct details can be recorded on the radiograph. You will also need to sign the scheme’s declaration confirming these details before submission.
Looking for trusted Hip and Elbow treatment in Wolverhampton?
Contact Rock House Vets to discuss your dog’s symptoms, treatment options and recovery support.
Which Breeds We See Most
Larger and heavier breeds have historically shown the greatest prevalence of hip dysplasia, including the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland. We also regularly score Hungarian Vizslas, Border Collies, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Any breed, including crossbreeds, can be affected, so if you are unsure whether scoring is relevant for your dog, get in touch and we will advise.
Is Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Manageable?
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a manageable condition with the correct treatment. It affects the hip and elbow joints, causing lameness, pain and, over time, a raised risk of arthritis. Severity depends on your dog’s age, the degree of the condition and any concurrent health issues. With swift management, most dogs go on to lead comfortable, active lives. For a full explanation of how the joints are affected and what your dog’s score means, see our guide to what hip and elbow scores tell you about your dog.
Hip and Elbow Scoring in Wolverhampton?
Contact Rock House Vets to discuss your dog’s symptoms and treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia.
Hip and Elbow Scoring FAQs
How long do BVA Scoring results take?
Once your dog’s X-rays have been submitted, the BVA panel typically returns results within a week of payment being processed. We will contact you as soon as they come through.
Contact us for BVA Scoring at our Clinic in Wolverhampton
Will my pet insurance cover hip or elbow dysplasia?
You can insure a dog that already has a diagnosis, but costs directly related to the condition are typically excluded. Enrolling your pet while they are still healthy is the best way to ensure future related costs are covered.
Do you offer BVA scoring near me?
Yes, we offer Hip and Elbow Scoring Near You:
Our Veterinary Clinic is based in Wolverhampton, where we cover areas of Bushbury, Bilston, Blakenhall, East Park, Ettingshall, Fallings Park, Graiseley, Heath Town, Merry Hill, Oxley, Penn, Spring Vale, St Peter’s, Tettenhall, and Wednesfield.
Our professional reputation expands across the West Midlands, with patients travelling to us from Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Dudley, Kingswinford and Stourbridge. Sandwell, Wednesbury and West Bromwich. Walsall and Willenhall.
And also as far out as Warwickshire, Lichfield, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Worcestershire, Bromsgrove and Redditch. Bridgnorth, Cannock, Coventry, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, Stafford and Telford.