Professional assessment of canine hip and elbow radiographs by
Dr Ana Hayes
Submit DICOM radiographs for hip and elbow scoring in accordance with Dogs Australia requirements.
Looking for official CHED information?
ORCHID is the official Dogs Australia portal for the Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (CHED) scheme, including scheme details and submission forms.
Meet Dr Ana Hayes
BVSc (Hons), MVS (Radiology)
Dr Ana Hayes graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1983 and completed a two year internship in Radiology and Small Animal Medicine at the University of Melbourne Teaching Hospital in Werribee.
She obtained her Master of Veterinary Studies (Radiology) in 1987 and has provided radiology services in small animal practice for more than three decades.
In 2019, Dr Hayes joined the CHED Panel for Dogs Australia after being invited by
Dr Roger Lavelle, one of the developers of the canine hip and elbow scoring system used throughout Australia.
Today she continues to provide official hip and elbow scoring services for Dogs Australia breeders, owners and veterinarians.
How Scoring Works
Our streamlined digital process ensures accurate results with a professional turnaround.
Take Radiographs
Your veterinarian captures the required hip and elbow images using the correct positioning protocol.
Export DICOM Files
Radiographs must be supplied in DICOM format to ensure image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Submit Online
Upload your DICOM files together with Dog, Owner, Signed PDF and Supporting document information through the submission form.
Assessment
Dr Ana Hayes reviews the radiographs and performs official scoring.
Results Returned
Results are processed and returned following assessment.
Why DICOM Files Are Required
DICOM is the international standard format used for medical imaging. Unlike screenshots, JPEGs or exported images, DICOM files preserve the original diagnostic image quality, metadata and exposure information required for accurate assessment.
For reliable hip and elbow scoring, submissions should always include the original DICOM files generated by your imaging system.
Radiograph Requirements
Hip Positioning Requirements
- General anaesthesia or heavy sedation required
- Hind limbs extended caudally
- Pelvis positioned symmetrically
- Iliac wings visible
- Beam centred over hips
- Patellae positioned centrally
Poor positioning may affect scoring accuracy.
View Full Requirements
Elbow Positioning Requirements
- Left and right elbows labelled
- Elbow fully flexed
- Beam centred on elbow joint
- Positioning should allow clear visualisation of the anconeal process
Before You Submit
