When your pet starts limping, slowing down on walks, or hesitating to jump and play, it’s natural to worry. Joint problems are one of the most common causes of pain and reduced mobility in dogs and cats—but diagnosing the exact cause isn’t always straightforward.
That’s where advanced techniques like arthroscopy come in. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital Surrey (BBVSH Surrey), arthroscopy is performed by board-certified veterinary surgeons with specialized training in orthopedic procedures. This level of expertise allows for precise diagnosis and treatment—helping your pet recover more comfortably and get back to doing what they love.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine, diagnose, and treat joint issues in pets. Instead of making a large incision, veterinarians use a tiny camera (arthroscope) inserted into the joint through a small incision.
This approach offers meaningful advantages. Because the incisions are so small, there is less trauma to the joint, which means less pain and inflammation after surgery. Pets also benefit from faster recovery, often healing more quickly than with traditional surgery. The camera provides a detailed, magnified view inside the joint, helping veterinarians detect problems earlier and with greater accuracy.
When Is Arthroscopy Recommended?
Arthroscopy is most commonly used for joint problems in dogs and cats, especially in large breeds that are more prone to orthopedic conditions.
It is particularly valuable for diagnosing and treating:
- Elbow joint issues, including fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
- Shoulder conditions, such as OCD and bicipital tenosynovitis (inflammation of the biceps tendon).
- Knee (stifle) injuries, including partial cruciate ligament damage—which may not be visible on X-rays—and meniscal injuries.
- Tarsal (ankle) joint issues, which are often underdiagnosed but can still cause significant pain and lameness.
Because arthroscopy allows direct visualization inside the joint, it is often recommended when imaging like X-rays or CT scans does not fully explain your pet’s symptoms.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Joint Problem
Joint issues can develop gradually, and early signs are easy to miss. If you’re noticing changes in your pet’s movement or behaviour, it’s worth paying closer attention.
Common signs include:
- Limping or favouring one leg.
- Difficulty standing up, walking, or climbing stairs.
- Stiffness, especially after rest.
- Reduced activity or reluctance to play.
- Swollen joints or sensitivity when touched.
- Ongoing lameness that hasn’t improved with rest or medications.
If these symptoms persist, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics—including arthroscopy—to better understand what’s happening inside the joint.
Arthroscopy vs. Traditional Surgery
Traditional joint surgery (arthrotomy) involves opening the joint to see and treat the problem. Arthroscopy, by contrast, uses small portals and specialized instruments.
This means smaller incisions (typically 5–10 mm compared to several centimetres), less pain and swelling, and a lower risk of complications such as infection. It also provides a more complete and magnified view of the joint, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
For many pets, this results in a faster recovery—often days to weeks rather than weeks to months—making arthroscopy a safer and more efficient alternative in many cases.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Arthroscopy is a carefully controlled and highly technical procedure performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
During the procedure:
- Small incisions (portals) are made to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
- A high-resolution camera provides a magnified view inside the joint.
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments are removed, damaged tissue is cleaned up, and the joint is flushed.
- The incisions are closed with a few stitches, and your pet wakes up quickly from anesthesia.
Most arthroscopic procedures take 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity.
Recovery: What to Expect
Because arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, recovery is typically quick and smooth, but proper care at home is still essential.
Post-operative care usually includes a short period of restricted activity (no running, jumping, or rough play for 2–3 weeks). Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to keep your pet comfortable. In the first few days, cold compresses can help reduce swelling, and in some cases, physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises—such as gentle stretching or hydrotherapy—may be recommended to support healing.
It’s also important to monitor the incision sites. If you notice redness, swelling, or worsening lameness, you should contact your veterinarian.
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after surgery to ensure your pet is healing well.
What Is the Success Rate of Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is highly effective for both diagnosing and treating joint conditions, with outcomes depending on the specific condition and how early it is addressed.
In many cases, pets experience significant improvement in comfort and mobility. For example, elbow dysplasia conditions such as FCP and OCD often show around 90% improvement, while shoulder OCD cases frequently result in 80–90% return to normal activity. Bicipital tenosynovitis typically has good to excellent outcomes with arthroscopic treatment, and knee meniscal injuries often result in faster recovery and better long-term outcomes compared to open surgery.
The most important factor is timing. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, while more advanced joint disease—especially when arthritis is present—may limit full recovery.
Is Arthroscopy Right for Your Pet?
If your dog or cat has chronic lameness, joint swelling, or pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medications, arthroscopy may be the best next step.
It offers:
- Less pain, smaller incisions, and quicker healing.
- More accurate diagnosis of joint problems.
- Effective treatment for conditions like elbow dysplasia, OCD, and biceps tendon injuries.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital Surrey, our board-certified surgical team brings advanced training and experience to every case—ensuring your pet receives the highest standard of orthopedic care.
A Better Path to Comfort and Mobility
Arthroscopy is truly a game-changer for pets with joint pain, offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional surgery.
In simple terms:
- Minimally invasive means less pain and faster recovery.
- It provides an excellent way to diagnose and treat joint issues.
- It has strong success rates for many common orthopedic conditions.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s joint health, early evaluation can make all the difference. Ask your veterinarian whether arthroscopy could help your pet return to a more comfortable, active life.
Adapted and expanded from clinical insights by Dr. Sarah Charney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthroscopy in Pets
What is arthroscopy in pets?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat joint problems in dogs and cats. It involves inserting a small camera called an arthroscope into the joint through a small incision, allowing veterinarians to view and treat issues inside the joint.
How does arthroscopy differ from traditional joint surgery?
Unlike traditional joint surgery, which requires opening the joint, arthroscopy uses small portals and specialized instruments. This results in smaller incisions, less pain and swelling, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery for many pets.
What are the benefits of arthroscopy for pets?
Arthroscopy offers several advantages, including less trauma to the joint, reduced pain and inflammation after surgery, faster healing, smaller incisions, and a more detailed view of the joint for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When is arthroscopy recommended for dogs and cats?
Arthroscopy is often recommended when a pet has ongoing joint pain, lameness, swelling, or mobility issues that cannot be fully explained through imaging such as X-rays or CT scans.
What conditions can arthroscopy diagnose and treat?
Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat elbow conditions such as fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), shoulder conditions including OCD and bicipital tenosynovitis, knee injuries such as partial cruciate ligament damage and meniscal injuries, and tarsal (ankle) joint problems.
Can arthroscopy detect injuries that do not appear on X-rays?
Yes. Arthroscopy allows direct visualization inside the joint and can identify conditions such as partial cruciate ligament damage that may not be visible on X-rays.
What are the signs of a joint problem in pets?
Common signs include limping, favoring one leg, difficulty standing or climbing stairs, stiffness after rest, reduced activity, reluctance to play, swollen joints, sensitivity when touched, and lameness that does not improve with rest or medication.
Is arthroscopy used for both dogs and cats?
Yes. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat joint issues in both dogs and cats.
Are large breed dogs more likely to need arthroscopy?
The procedure is commonly used for joint problems in dogs and cats and is especially valuable in large breeds that are more prone to orthopedic conditions.
What happens during an arthroscopy procedure?
Under general anesthesia, small incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments. A high-resolution camera provides a magnified view inside the joint, allowing the surgeon to remove loose fragments, clean damaged tissue, and flush the joint before closing the incisions with a few stitches.
How long does arthroscopy take?
Most arthroscopic procedures take between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated.
Is general anesthesia required for arthroscopy?
Yes. Arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the pet’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
How long does it take for a pet to recover from arthroscopy?
Recovery is typically faster than with traditional surgery. Most pets require a short period of restricted activity for approximately two to three weeks while healing.
What restrictions are needed after arthroscopy?
Post-operative care generally includes avoiding running, jumping, and rough play for two to three weeks while the joint heals.
Will my pet need medication after arthroscopy?
Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatory medications to help keep your pet comfortable during recovery.
Can physical therapy help after arthroscopy?
In some cases, physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises such as gentle stretching or hydrotherapy may be recommended to support healing and recovery.
What should I watch for after my pet’s arthroscopy procedure?
Pet owners should monitor incision sites and contact their veterinarian if they notice redness, swelling, or worsening lameness.
When is the follow-up appointment after arthroscopy?
A follow-up visit is typically scheduled two to four weeks after surgery to ensure the pet is healing properly.
What is the success rate of arthroscopy in pets?
Success rates depend on the specific condition being treated and how early it is diagnosed. Many pets experience significant improvements in comfort and mobility following arthroscopic treatment.
How successful is arthroscopy for elbow dysplasia conditions?
According to the blog, elbow dysplasia conditions such as fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) often show approximately 90% improvement following arthroscopic treatment.
How successful is arthroscopy for shoulder OCD?
Shoulder osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) cases frequently result in an 80–90% return to normal activity after arthroscopic treatment.
How effective is arthroscopy for bicipital tenosynovitis?
Bicipital tenosynovitis typically has good to excellent outcomes when treated arthroscopically.
Does early diagnosis improve arthroscopy outcomes?
Yes. The blog notes that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, while more advanced joint disease and arthritis may limit the potential for full recovery.
Is arthroscopy a good option for pets with chronic lameness?
Arthroscopy may be an appropriate option for dogs and cats with chronic lameness, joint swelling, or pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
Why is arthroscopy considered a minimally invasive option?
Arthroscopy uses small incisions, typically 5–10 mm in size, rather than opening the joint through a larger surgical incision. This approach reduces tissue trauma and supports faster healing.
