Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy in Los Angeles
What is arthroscopy?
Veterinary arthroscopy is a minimally invasive joint surgery that uses a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions. At our Santa Monica practice, Dr. Antonio Pedraza uses arthroscopy for issues such as elbow dysplasia, shoulder OCD and suspected meniscal injury in dogs and cats across Los Angeles. Magnified visualization inside the joint can support accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, and the small incisions often mean less pain and a faster orthopedic recovery for the patient. Modern arthroscopes are small enough that some smaller patients can benefit, depending on the joint. Whether arthroscopy is appropriate depends on individual evaluation, including imaging, and Dr. Pedraza discusses the likely benefits and risks with each family beforehand.
Key facts
- Procedure
- Arthroscopy in Los Angeles
- Typical use
- Elbow dysplasia, shoulder OCD, suspected meniscal injury, select joint conditions
- Access method
- Small camera and instruments through tiny joint incisions
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia, fully monitored
- Recovery expectation
- Often faster orthopedic recovery; rehab guidance provided
- Referral needed?
- Accepted; families and referring veterinarians may request a consultation
- When to call urgently
- Call urgently for non-weight-bearing lameness, incision bleeding, swelling, collapse or severe pain
- Consultation
- Book a Consultation
Approach
Millimeter portals
Recovery
Faster rehab than open joint surgery
Anesthesia
General, fully monitored
Discharge
Many cases same-day
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems in dogs and cats. A small scope (arthroscope) and tiny instruments are inserted through millimeter incisions into the joint, allowing Dr. Pedraza to evaluate and repair joint issues with far less trauma than open joint surgery — leading to faster rehabilitation and excellent outcomes.
Common Arthroscopic Procedures
- Elbow Arthroscopy: Treatment of elbow dysplasia conditions like fragmented coronoid process and OCD lesions in young dogs, allowing earlier intervention before joint degeneration progresses.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: Removal of OCD cartilage flaps and evaluation of shoulder instability or biceps tendon injuries through tiny portals.
- Knee (Stifle) Arthroscopy: Inspection and treatment of suspected meniscal tears, often used alongside TPLO surgery to evaluate joint damage.
- Arthroscopy for Chronic Arthritis or Joint Debris: Arthroscopic joint lavage and debridement to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion.
- Carpal / Tarsal (Wrist / Ankle) Arthroscopy: Evaluation of smaller joints in select cases, depending on patient size.
Is Arthroscopy Right for Your Companion?
Dr. Pedraza typically recommends arthroscopy when diagnostic imaging suggests a problem the scope can fix, or when a companion isn't responding to conservative management. Elbow dysplasia in a young dog is a classic scenario where early arthroscopy can prevent further joint damage. Modern veterinary arthroscopes are as small as 1.9 mm, so even cats and small dogs can sometimes benefit.
A Leader in Minimally Invasive Orthopedics
By offering arthroscopy, Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet stands out as a leader in minimally invasive orthopedic care in the Los Angeles area. We combine arthroscopy with comprehensive pain management and post-op care, including rehab guidance or companion physical therapy referrals, so your companion regains mobility quickly.
Procedure recommendations depend on physical exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy, condition severity and anesthetic safety. Dr. Antonio Pedraza reviews each case individually.
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM · Last updated May 28, 2026
Related procedures
Clinical imagery
Real cases from our Los Angeles operating room
Surgical and endoscopic imagery from Dr. Pedraza's recent cases. Some images show internal anatomy and clinical findings.
References
Clinical references and further reading
Educational links are provided for background context. Recommendations depend on individual veterinary evaluation.
- Canine Elbow Dysplasia — owner educationACVS
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) — owner educationACVS
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease — owner educationACVS
- AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and CatsAAHA
Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Pedraza, DVM, MVM
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This page is educational and does not replace an individual veterinary consultation.
Serving Greater Los Angeles
Care close to home for companion families across the Westside
Located at 2116 Main Street in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital serves companion animals, dogs and cats from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey.
Los Angeles Laparoscopy Vet at Sevilla Veterinary Hospital
2116 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
By appointment · referrals welcome
Ready to schedule advanced care for your companion?
Speak with our team about whether a minimally invasive procedure is right for your dog or cat.