What is the KC/BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme?

The hip dysplasia scheme is run by the British Veterinary Association in conjunction with the UK Kennel Club.

Dysplasia means abnormal development and in the case of hips it means abnormal development of the hips. The degree of hip dysplasia present is indicated by a score assigned to each hip.

The hip score is the sum of the points awarded for each of nine aspects of the X-rays of both hip joints. The minimum hip score is 0 and the maximum is 106 (53 for each hip), the lower the score the less the degree of hip dysplasia present.

An average (or mean) score is calculated for all breeds scored under the scheme and advice for breeders is to use only breeding stock with scores well below the breed mean score.

The minimum age for hip scoring is one year, and each dog is only ever scored once under the scheme. For a more detailed explanation about the hip scoring process use the link above.

Traditionally the cocker has not been known to be a breed particularly affected with hip-dysplasia, however as very few dogs have been tested (scored), it is not a foregone conclusion that hip dysplasia is not widespread within the breed. The hip status of cocker spaniels is currently under investigation and at present, the incidence of HD in the breed is being monitored to determine how widespread the problem is.

However, hip-score results for cockers range from 0 - 99 (total for both hips) and this does indicate that cockers are affected with hip dysplasia and therefore conscientious breeders will screen their dogs by X-Ray's being submitted to the BVA (British Veterinary Association) for scoring.

Any dog which has scores higher than 36 is dysplastic. The recommendation is that only dogs that are free from dysplasia are bred, any dog with a score of up to 18 points is considered free of dysplasia. However, the advice of experts is to breed from dogs with the lowest score possible and certainly not from dogs with a score higher than the current Breed Mean Score. The current BMS for cocker spaniels is 13 (total of both hips) - [2009]. In 2008, the BMS was 14, prior to that it was 15 and prior to that it was 16. As more dogs have been scored the BMS has fallen.

The current BVA/KC scoring scheme for hip dysplasia (HD) has been in operation since 1984 and since then 911 cocker X-rays have been assessed. When you consider how many puppies have been born since 1984 (approx. 522,000 puppies) it indicates that the number of cockers scored is a miniscule 00.2% (approx). As more dogs are scored, the BMS will alter to reflect the data gathered. Although the information is undoubtedly useful, a true picture of the incidence of hip dysplasia affecting the breed can't really be gleaned based on the results of only 00.2% (approx.) of tested dogs.

To see the Breed Mean Score for all breeds visit the BVA website here (you will need Adobe Acrobat)

Below is a chart showing the relationship between scores and the degree of hip dysplasia present for each score.

UK - KC/BVA Scheme	Classification	FCI Scheme
Total score of 0 - 4	No signs of hip dysplasia	A1
Total score of 5 - 10	No signs of hip dysplasia	A2
Total score of 11 - 18	Normal hips	B1
Total score of 19 - 25	Borderline Case	B2
Total score of 26 -35	Mild hip dysplasia	C1
Total score of 36 - 50	Moderate hip dysplasia	C2
Total score of 51 - 106	Severe hip dysplasia	D1/D2

For more information about canine hip dysplasia please visit our hip dysplasia page.