Hip & Elbow Grading

Collie owners and breeders should have their dogs’ hips and elbows graded to ensure the long-term health and well-being of their beloved Collies. Hip and elbow dysplasia, while uncommon in Collies, can lead to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues.

By grading these joints, breeders can make informed decisions to reduce the incidence of these conditions in future generations, while owners can take early action to manage any potential problems. Additionally, submitting grading results to databases like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) helps keep valuable statistics on the health of the breed. This proactive approach not only enhances the quality of life for individual dogs but also contributes to the overall health and vitality of the breed.

Two organizations offer grading of canine hips in the USA:

  • The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) grades the structure of the hip joint and any signs of arthritis in dogs 2 years and older. For more information, see the OFA website.
  • Antech Imaging Services (AIS) uses the PennHIP method to evaluate hip joint laxity using a distraction index, and also grades the conformation and presence of arthritis in dogs 16 weeks and older. More information can be found on AIS’s website.

Canine elbows are currently only graded by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). For more information, see the OFA Website.

You can learn more about hip and elbow grading by watching this seminar by Dr. Nancy Kelso, DVM >>

Submission Reimbursement Subsidy

The Collie Health Foundation subsidizes submission costs associated with the grading of hips and elbows for purebred Collies owned by CHF members, according to the following scale:

  • $50 reimbursement for the submission cost of OFA Hip and Elbow grading submitted together for one Collie.
  • $45 reimbursement for the submission cost of OFA Hip grading only for one Collie.
  • $150 reimbursement for the submission cost of PennHIP grading for one Collie.

This reimbursement requires that the grading receipts and/or certifications (from OFA or PennHIP) for the dog be uploaded on the form below. Additional information can be requested by contacting testing@colliehealth.org

Total subsidies (CHIC certification AND Hip/Elbow) received by one owner CANNOT EXCEED $550 per calendar year.

Hip and Elbow Grading Subsidy Request Form

Please fill out one form per dog.

Subsidies are for purebred rough and smooth Collies owned by CHF members ONLY.

Are you a Collie Health Foundation member? *
Which grading type are you submitting? *
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.