VetRad Hip Dysplasia Masterclass

Session 1 – Building the Diagnostic Basis

Optimizing Hip Radiographs: Positioning, Technique & Applied Anatomy: Quality and legal requirements, Positioning standards and technical parameters, Normal anatomy, common pitfalls, and impact on interpretation and scoring reliability.

The FCI Hip Scoring System – Criteria, Grading, and Practical Application: Detailed review of official FCI scoring, Evaluation parameters and grading thresholds, Standardized reporting approach.

Session 2 – Beyond One System

Hip Scoring Worldwide – Comparing FCI, OFA, BVA/KC and PennHIP: Strengths and limitations, Practical implications for international clients and breeders.

Has Hip Scoring Made a Difference? Epidemiology, genetics, and long-term outcomes, Critical review of breeding programs, population trends, successes, limitations.

Session 3 – Case-Based Interpretation

Interactive Case Review: From Image Quality to Final Score - Part 1: Guided discussion of representative cases of increasing complexity, Practical group exercises using participant laptops.

Interactive Case Review: From Image Quality to Final Score - Part 2:  Guided discussion of representative cases of increasing complexity, Practical group exercises using participant laptops.

Session 4 – Updates and Practical Implications

Reading the Subtle Signs – Pattern Recognition in Borderline and Mild HD: Equivocal cases, grading consistency, pitfalls. Inter-observer variability and calibration strategies.

Recent Changes in the FCI Scoring System – Practical Impact: Overview of recent modifications, Effects on classification and breeding decisions.

Session 5 – Expanding the Perspective

Hip Dysplasia in Cats – An Underdiagnosed Reality? Prevalence, breed predisposition, specific radiographic features, Scoring challenges and clinical relevance.

Session 6 – Advanced Image Review & Case Discussions

Structured Film Reading: Complex and Challenging Cases: Advanced interpretation of borderline hips and secondary osteoarthritis, Calibration, consensus building, and discussion of difficult cases.

Interactive Case-Based Discussions - Part 1: Multiple cases, Participants practice scoring, discuss differential diagnoses, and refine decision-making.

Interactive Case-Based Discussions - Part 2:  Multiple cases, Participants practice scoring, discuss differential diagnoses, and refine decision-making.