Hip X-Ray, (OFA, BVA, AVA, PennHIP, Dr. Wallace report or Dr. Wyburn report) and Elbows (same testing methods as hips)

Hip and Elbow tests are to be done prior to breeding specifically to address: Carpal subluxation, Elbow dysplasia, Epiphyseal dysplasia, Fragmented coronoid process, Hip dysplasia, Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, Muscular dystrophy, Osteochondrosis, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Patella luxation, Shoulder dysplasia.

Member Breeders are required by the ALAA Code of Ethics NOT to breed a dog or with a dog diagnosed with Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, DJD or Subluxation.
 

Testing requirements adopted as of January 1, 2007, to be a Breeder Member of the ALAA:

• Hip and Elbow testing to be on file with the ALAA dog registrar before the dog may be bred.  Testing method and results that are acceptable are as follows:

Hips

• OFA Excellent or Good prelim after 4 months of age
• OFA Fair prelim after 13 months of age
• OFA Borderline prelim after 13 months of age (must re-test yearly thereafter)
• PennHip .59 or less for both hips after 4 months of age
• PennHip .60 to.69 on either hip and OFA Fair prelim after 13 months of age (must re-test yearly and submit each score)
• PennHip .70 or greater on either hip and OFA Fair prelim after 13 months of age (must re-test yearly and submit each score)
• BVA up to 18 after 4 months of age
• BVA of 19-25 and OFA Fair prelim after 13 months of age (must re-test yearly and submit each score)
• AVA
• Dr. Wallace report (same standards as OFA requirements)
• Dr. Wyburn report (same standards as BVA/AVA requirements)

Elbows

• OFA, BVA, AVA, Dr. Wallace, or Dr. Wyburn Elbows normal after 4 months of age.

Notes:

1. Hip and elbow testing were added to the Code of Ethics by ALAA general member vote in 2006.   If a dog was already registered with the ALAA and that dogs hips were x rayed prior to January 1, 2007, and scores acceptable within ALAA Health Testing Guidelines, no re-test will be required.
2. If a breeder obtains a reading that they or their vet determines is in error, a retest with the SAME method is required AND full disclosure of the first reading submitted to the ALAA.
3. It is suggested you do not x-ray within 30 days of a heat cycle. "Some female dogs exhibit additional subluxation when radiographed during these times. The OFA recommends radiographing three to four weeks before or after the heat cycle, and three to four weeks after weaning a litter of puppies.” These reports cannot be ignored and are considered accurate by the ALAA unless a follow up using the OFA follow up procedure is completed. 
4. If more than one test is performed, the most recent test is considered the most reliable.   All tests showing subluxation, DJD or HD are considered accurate and will be entered into the database.
5. “A recent publication compared the reliability of the preliminary evaluation hip grade phenotype with the 2 year old evaluation in dogs and there was 100% reliability for a preliminary grade of excellent being normal at 2 years of age (excellent, good, or fair). There was 97.9% reliability for a preliminary grade of good being normal at 2 years of age, and 76.9% reliability for a preliminary grade of fair being normal at 2 years of age. Reliability of preliminary evaluations increased as age at the time of preliminary evaluation increased, regardless of whether dogs received a preliminary evaluation of normal hip conformation or HD. For normal hip conformations, the reliability was 89.6% at 3-6 months, 93.8% at 7-12 months, and 95.2% at 13-18 months. Corley, EA, et al. Reliability of Early Radiographic Evaluation for Canine Hip Dysplasia Obtained from the Standard Ventrodorsal Radiographic Projection. JAVMA. Vol 211, No. 9, November 1997.” www.ofaa.org
6. PennHIP reports that the probability of a dog with a .60 or greater DI at 4 months to develop DJD or HD by 36 months is 80%. PennHIP reports that the probability of a dog with a .70 or greater DI at 4 months to develop DJD or HD by 36 months is 92%. Findings by PennHIP.