Arthroscopy: An Effective Surgery Technique For Dogs And Cats

Arthroscopy is an innovative surgical technique that includes both the diagnosis and the surgery of a joint in pets. Veterinary experts prefer this technique to repair the fractured or displaced knee and shoulder joints in cats and dogs. In this surgical procedure, a small incision over the joint is made. An arthroscope of an average length of 2 mm is inserted through this incision. A camera is attached to it, which sends the image to a TV monitor. The veterinary doctor can see the condition of the injured joint and plan for further procedures according to the diagnosis. Then, additional incisions are made to insert specially designed instruments to fix the joint.

Surgeries Possible With Arthroscopy

All kinds of surgery are not possible with the arthroscopy technique. However, knee injury, elbow dysplasia, and shoulder fracture are repaired using the arthroscopy method. The procedure for the diagnosis and surgery is the same. Only surgical instruments can be different for each condition.

Why Prefer Arthroscopy Over Open surgery? 

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique. It is a more effective procedure than open surgery, as very small incisions are made according to the need, instead of opening the whole joint. Diagnosis is accurate as a veterinarian can see the joint's condition. There is not much bleeding as compared to open surgery. The healing process is also faster.

Moreover, after arthroscopy, scars of the incisions are smaller and disappear within months. But, in open surgery, the scars left after the surgical procedure are larger and more prominent, and they take years to disappear completely. As a result, there is less trauma and minimum risks of complications than open shoulder or knee surgery in dogs and cats. But unfortunately, it is also very difficult for cats and dogs to survive the open surgical procedure.

Risks And Difficulties with Arthroscopy

Although arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery, it is still a major surgical procedure. It also involves risks and complications. This technique requires post-operative rehabilitation with no negligence; otherwise, many problems can arise for the dog or cat under treatment. Infection, nerve damage, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness are some common risks and complications resulting from an arthroscopy surgery procedure. It is also difficult to identify and treat all lesions through this technique. Moreover, it's hectic to maintain especially designed instruments. 

Post-Operative Precautions For Your Dog Or Cat

Post-surgery care is as important as the surgical procedure itself. With proper care and precautions, one can keep the pet more comfortable and relieve its pain after surgery. Provision of proper medications to your pet after the surgical procedure can make it speedy and smooth the healing process. Also, keep the incisions dry and covered to prevent any infection of the scars. Always follow the suggestions and recommendations of your veterinary doctor to keep your dog or cat healthy after undergoing arthroscopy. A high-quality diet can also help your pet recover quickly.

Wrap Up!

From the above discussion, one can presume the effectiveness of the arthroscopy technique. It is the most reliable surgery procedure to fix knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries in cats and dogs as these pets cannot withstand open surgeries. Do not get late to see your veterinarian when you observe your pet is suffering from fever, pain, severe swelling, numbness, tingling, or smelly fluid seeping from the wound. Always prefer a well-reputed veterinary doctor to ensure an effective and atraumatic surgery procedure for your pet.