SCOA Health recommends that breeders complete Elbow xrays on all breeding dogs over the age of 2 years. Elbow xrays is also a CHIC certificate requirement..

Elbow xrays are done to evaluate the Elbow joint for signs of Elbow dysplasia, degenerative joint disease (DJD)/osteoarthritis.

The Official Organization in North America that evaluates and certifies elbow xrays is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Globally, FCI Clubs are authorized to evaluate and certify elbow xrays. In the UK, elbows are evaluated and certified by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in partnership with the UK Kennel Club.

For OFA evaluation, dogs must be 24 months or older for official assessment although “preliminary” xrays at an earlier age can be evaluated.

The OFA will provide results of Normal or Abnormal for Elbows. They do not grade Normal elbows but will grade Abnormal elbows (Grade I, Grade II and Grade III). In the FCI countries and UK BVA scheme they provide elbow grades 0-3, with 0 being normal and they will evaluate dogs starting at 12 months of age.

According to 2017 OFA Statistics, Spinone have a 6.4% abnormal elbow rate - OFA Spinone Elbow Statistics.

According to 1999-2016 UK BVA Statistics, Spinone have a 17.6% abnormal elbow rate - UK BVA Elbow Statistics.