After numerous investigations and discussions, KUSA and the SA Veterinary Association, have decided to change South Africa’s Hip Dysplasia grading scheme to the more internationally recognized FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) system. The new system was implemented as from January 2007. The system is also applied to non-KUSA affiliated breeds. There are multiple implications for breeders taking dogs for hip dysplasia radiographs (X-rays) for certification. The changes, where applicable will also be for Elbow Dysplasia certification.

FCI Grading Scheme for Dysplasia

FCI

GRADE

Description

FCI Criteria

(Federation Cynologique Internationale)

OLD RSA

GRADE

A1 Excellent

No signs of hip dysplasia

The femoral head and the acetabulum are congruent. The craniolateral rim appears sharp and slightly rounded. The joint space is narrow and even. The acetabular angle according to Norberg (adapted for Position I) is about 105° (as a reference). In excellent hip joints the craniolateral rim encircles the femoral head somewhat more in laterocaudal direction

0
A2 Good 0
B1 Fair

Near normal hip joints

The femoral head and the acetabulum are slightly incongruent and the acetabular angle according to Norberg (adapted for Position I) is about 105° or the center of the femoral head lies medial to the dorsal rim of the acetabulum and the femoral head and the acetabulum are congruent.

0
B2 Marginal 1
C1 Mild

Mild hip dysplasia

The femoral head and the acetabulum are incongruent, the acetabular angle according to Norberg is about 100° and/or there is a slightly flattened craniolateral rim. Irregularities or no more than slight signs of osteoarthrotic changes of the margo acetabularis cranialis caudalis or dorsalis or on the femoral head and neck may be present

1
C2 Mild - Moderate 1
D1 Moderate

Moderate hip dysplasia

Obvious incongruity between the femoral head and the acetabulum with subluxation. Acetabular angle according to Norberg more than 90° (only as a reference). Flattening of the craniolateral rim and/or osteoarthrotic signs

2
D2

Moderate to

Severe

2
E1 Severe

Severe hip dysplasia

Marked dysplastic changes of the hip joints, such as luxation or distinct subluxation, acetabular angle according to Norberg less than 90°, obvious flattening of the margo acetabularis cranialis, deformation of the femoral head (mushroom shaped, flattening) or other signs of osteoarthrosis .

3
E2 Very Severe 4

Hip and Elbow Requirements for KUSA Registration of Rottweiler Litters in South Africa

Normal Hips vs Hip Dysplasia
Normal Hips vs Hip Dysplasia

As from 01 January 1994, all Rottweilers used for breeding must be registered with KUSA and have CHD certification within the range of FCI A1 to (and inclusive of) FCI C2. Only Rottweilers with hip scores of FCI A1, A2, B1 or B2 may be mated to Rottweilers with FCI C1 or C2 hips. Rottweilers with FCI A1, A2, B1 or B2 hips may be mated to one another (FEDCO update effective 01 Jan. 2007)

As from 01 January 1994, radiologists to perform (mandatory) elbow X-rays together with hip X-rays (to minimize costs). No grading recommendations made for ED at this stage - this to build an ED data-base / statistics. Info to be reviewed after (at least) 5 years, after which breeding guidelines will be recommended to KUSA.

All breeds can be done from the age of 12 months except in RSA where large breeds can only be x-rayed from 18months: this includes the Mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, St Bernards and Rottweilers.

Positioning must be optimal: to achieve this, general anaesthesia or sedation is required.  A single certificate, certified by a KUSA authorised veterinary radiologist, is issued reflecting the grade of hip and/or elbow dysplasia, where applicable, together with the microchip or tattoo number of the dog.

Reference: KUSA

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KUSA Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Grading

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