If you're considering a puppy or already own a dog, you've likely heard about hip scoring. This important health screening helps identify hip dysplasia, a common joint condition that can significantly affect your dog's comfort and mobility throughout their life. Understanding what hip scoring means can help you make informed decisions about your dog's health and future care needs.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) Hip Dysplasia Scheme works alongside The Kennel Club to provide standardised assessment of hip joint development in dogs. Through detailed X-ray analysis, this screening programme helps breeders make responsible breeding decisions and gives owners valuable insight into their dog's joint health status.
Hip dysplasia is a complex inherited condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly. As dogs age, affected joints experience excessive wear and tear, leading to deterioration and varying degrees of discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The condition affects dogs of all sizes and backgrounds, with abnormalities present from a young age that typically worsen as dogs become more active.
Supporting joint health after BVA hip scoring
When your dog receives their BVA hip score results, you might wonder what additional support you can offer alongside veterinary care. We developed MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max to work as part of a comprehensive joint health approach.
Key joint actives in the UK's leading dog joint supplements
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
For dogs with hip scoring results indicating dysplasia risk, the table shows MedPaw contains all six research-backed joint actives that support cartilage health and joint comfort. While other supplements focus on just two or three ingredients, MedPaw's complete formula includes glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata.
This comprehensive approach matters particularly for dogs flagged through BVA screening, as their joints may benefit from multiple pathways of nutritional support. The soft chew format makes daily supplementation straightforward, with a 60-day guarantee for your confidence.
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How Hip Scoring Works
The BVA scheme uses a comprehensive nine-parameter assessment system to evaluate each hip joint. Expert veterinary surgeons called scrutineers work in pairs to examine X-rays and assign scores based on specific criteria.
Each hip receives a score from 0 to 53, creating a total possible range of 0 to 106 for both hips combined. The lower the score, the better the hip condition. A perfect score of 0:0 indicates excellent hip development, whilst higher scores suggest increasing degrees of dysplasia.
The scoring system evaluates two main categories of changes. Primary changes assess the basic structure and fit of the hip joint, examining how well the ball fits into the socket. Secondary changes evaluate the arthritic response that develops as a result of underlying dysplasia, which typically increases as dogs age.
Understanding hip score ranges and their implications
| Score Range | Hip Quality | Breeding Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0-10 | Excellent to good | Ideal for breeding |
| 11-25 | Fair to borderline | Consider breed median |
| 26-50 | Mild to moderate dysplasia | Generally not recommended |
| 51+ | Severe dysplasia | Should not be bred from |
The Screening Process
Dogs must meet specific requirements before hip scoring can take place. Your dog needs to be at least one year old, have permanent microchip identification, and if registered with The Kennel Club, their certificate must be available.
The X-rays must be taken under anaesthesia or heavy sedation to ensure proper positioning and clear images. Your veterinary surgeon will take the radiographs and submit them through the online portal system for assessment.
A panel of ten expert scrutineers, all veterinary surgeons with advanced qualifications in veterinary radiology and orthopaedics, assess thousands of X-rays annually. The scheme maintains high standards with a typical one-week turnaround for online submissions.
Quality Assurance
The scheme maintains rigorous quality control through multiple safeguards. All scrutineers possess advanced professional qualifications, and if you disagree with your dog's score, radiographs can be re-evaluated by additional scrutineer pairs who remain unaware of the original assessment.
Results are provided through your veterinary practice and, for Kennel Club registered dogs, published on The Kennel Club website. This transparency helps maintain the scheme's integrity and provides valuable data for breed improvement programmes.
Breeds Most at Risk
Whilst hip dysplasia can affect any dog regardless of size or breeding background, certain breeds show higher susceptibility. The condition is generally more common in larger breeds, though it occurs across all sizes and types.
Commonly affected breeds include German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers, among many others. Each breed has its own calculated median score, representing the average for that particular breed, which allows individual dogs to be compared against breed-specific standards.
The complex inheritance pattern means that even dogs from parents with excellent hip scores may still develop poor scores themselves. This reflects the multifactorial nature of the condition, involving multiple genes and environmental factors working together.
Understanding Breed Medians
Each breed's median score provides a benchmark for comparison. For example, if a breed has a median score of 12, dogs scoring below this figure are considered better than average for their breed, whilst those scoring above may carry higher genetic risk for the condition.
Where available, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) provide even more accurate genetic risk assessment than individual hip scores alone. These combine pedigree information with health scheme data to estimate the types of genes a dog carries and might pass to their offspring.
What Your Dog's Results Mean
Understanding your dog's hip score helps you make informed decisions about their care and management. If your dog has received a low score, this suggests good hip development and lower risk of future problems, though it doesn't guarantee they'll never experience joint issues.
Higher scores indicate structural abnormalities that may lead to discomfort and mobility problems as your dog ages. However, many dogs with moderate hip dysplasia live comfortable, active lives with appropriate management and veterinary care.
The key is working with your veterinary surgeon to develop a comprehensive care plan that may include weight management, appropriate exercise, and supportive treatments to help maintain your dog's comfort and mobility throughout their life. If you notice any signs of discomfort or changes in your dog's mobility, speak to your vet for professional assessment and guidance.
When to seek veterinary advice based on mobility concerns
Mild stiffness after rest
Occasional stiffness that improves with gentle movement. Keep monitoring and maintain regular exercise routine.
Difficulty rising or reluctance to exercise
Noticeable changes in mobility or activity levels. Schedule a veterinary consultation for assessment and advice.
Persistent lameness or signs of pain
Obvious discomfort, altered gait, or significant reduction in activity. Seek immediate veterinary attention.
Environmental Factors and Management
Whilst genetics play the primary role in hip dysplasia development, environmental factors also contribute significantly to how the condition manifests and progresses. Understanding these factors helps you support your dog's joint health throughout their life.
Diet during growth periods is particularly important. Proper nutrition that supports steady, controlled growth rather than rapid weight gain can help minimise the impact of genetic predisposition. Maintaining an appropriate body weight throughout your dog's life reduces stress on the hip joints.
Exercise levels and types during development also matter. Puppies benefit from controlled, appropriate exercise rather than excessive or high-impact activities that might stress developing joints. Swimming and gentle walks are often better choices than long runs or repetitive jumping during the growth phase.
Ongoing Joint Support
Many owners find that supporting their dog's joint health becomes increasingly important as they age, particularly if hip scoring has identified structural concerns. This might include maintaining optimal body weight, providing appropriate exercise, and considering supportive measures.
Joint supplements containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and other joint-supporting compounds may form part of a comprehensive management approach alongside veterinary care. MedPaw's hip and joint supplement provides targeted nutritional support for dogs with joint concerns, offering complementary feeds that support joint health and comfort rather than addressing the underlying structural condition.
Making Informed Breeding Decisions
For those considering breeding, hip scoring provides essential information for making responsible decisions. The scheme recommends breeding only from dogs with hip scores at or below their breed's published median, helping reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in future generations.
When both parents have good hip scores, their offspring are more likely to have healthy hips, though the complex inheritance pattern means this isn't guaranteed. Responsible breeders use hip scoring alongside other health tests to make informed breeding choices that prioritise the long-term health of their breed.
If you're considering a puppy, always ask to see hip scoring results for both parents. Reputable breeders should readily provide this information and be happy to discuss their breeding programme's health testing protocols.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Whether your dog has been hip scored or not, it's important to monitor for signs that might indicate joint problems. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and helps maintain quality of life as dogs age.
Contact your veterinary surgeon if you notice difficulty rising from lying down, stiffness particularly after rest periods, reluctance to exercise or play, altered gait or lameness, or any signs of discomfort when moving. Changes in activity levels or difficulty with stairs and jumping also warrant professional assessment.
Your vet can perform a thorough examination, discuss your dog's hip score if available, and recommend appropriate management strategies. These might include weight management programmes, controlled exercise plans, physiotherapy, and supportive treatments to help maintain your dog's comfort and mobility. For dogs diagnosed with arthritis, knowing what questions to ask your vet can help you get the most from your consultation.
The Future of Hip Health Screening
The BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme continues evolving with technological advances and improved understanding of canine genetics. Online submissions now account for over half of all cases, with plans to increase digital processing whilst maintaining the high quality standards the scheme is known for.
The scheme's contribution to The Kennel Club's comprehensive database enables ongoing research into hip dysplasia patterns and the development of more sophisticated breeding tools. This collaborative approach provides breeders worldwide with valuable resources for making informed decisions based on robust scientific data.
Understanding hip scoring empowers you to make informed decisions about your dog's health and helps ensure future generations have the best possible chance of healthy, comfortable lives. Whether you're choosing a puppy, managing an adult dog's joint health, or considering breeding, hip scoring provides valuable insight that supports better outcomes for all dogs. For those wondering about the role of supplements in managing hip dysplasia, understanding how joint supplements can help provides additional guidance on supportive care options.
What does a hip score of 15 mean for my dog?
A hip score of 15 indicates your dog has some degree of hip dysplasia, though this would typically be considered mild to moderate depending on your dog's breed. Each breed has its own median score, so you'll need to compare your dog's score against their breed average to understand the relative significance. Many dogs with scores in this range live comfortable, active lives with appropriate management including weight control and suitable exercise.
Can my dog be hip scored if they're already showing signs of stiffness?
Yes, dogs can be hip scored at any age over 12 months, regardless of whether they're showing mobility issues. However, if your dog is already experiencing stiffness or discomfort, it's important to speak to your vet first for a proper examination. Hip scoring provides valuable information about joint structure, but your vet needs to assess any current symptoms and recommend appropriate management.
How much does BVA hip scoring cost and is it worth doing?
Hip scoring costs vary between veterinary practices as they set their own fees for the X-rays and submission process. The value depends on your circumstances - it's essential if you're considering breeding, and helpful for understanding your dog's joint health status even if you're not. If you're concerned about your dog's mobility or joint health, discuss with your vet whether hip scoring would be beneficial in your specific situation.
Will my dog definitely get arthritis if they have a high hip score?
A high hip score indicates structural abnormalities that increase the likelihood of joint problems developing over time, but it doesn't guarantee your dog will experience significant issues. Many factors influence how hip dysplasia progresses, including weight management, exercise levels, and individual variation. If your dog has received a concerning hip score, speak to your vet about management strategies to help support their long-term joint health and comfort.
Should I avoid buying a puppy if the parents have hip scores above the breed median?
Ideally, you want both parents to have hip scores at or below their breed's median, as this reduces the risk of hip dysplasia in the offspring. However, the inheritance pattern is complex, so puppies from parents with good scores can still develop poor hips, whilst some puppies from higher-scoring parents may have healthy joints. Reputable breeders should provide hip score information and discuss their breeding programme's approach to health testing.
