Serving San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside
Arthroscopy for Shoulder OCD in Dogs
Helping dogs overcome shoulder pain and front leg lameness with expert minimally invasive surgery.
High Success Rates for Shoulder OCD Surgery
Most dogs regain better comfort and mobility after minimally invasive treatment.
Understanding Shoulder OCD
Shoulder osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) is a condition where the cartilage in the shoulder joint doesn’t form properly, leading to pain, stiffness, and, over time, arthritis. It most often affects large breed dogs and usually appears when they are between 4 and 12 months old.
Following arthroscopy, most dogs recover very well and go on to stay active, enjoying playtime, walks, and all their favorite activities.
Minimally invasive approach.- Slows arthritis progression.
- Helps your dog return to an active lifestyle.
Serving the San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and Riverside Areas
Shoulder Arthroscopy Experts
Arthroscopy is often considered the best option for managing shoulder OCD in dogs. This minimally invasive procedure can provide the most effective and long-lasting relief from lameness, pain, and stiffness.
Our surgical team routinely evaluates dogs with shoulder OCD. The all-inclusive package fee for shoulder OCD arthroscopy at SurgiPet offers 30% savings compared to large veterinary hospitals’ charges.
Your Dog’s Shoulder Arthroscopy Journey
Initial Consultation
We don’t rush - each consultation includes a full history, a careful hands-on exam of your dog, and time to talk through your goals, concerns, and what matters most to you.
Surgery Day
Experience counts! Our surgeon has performed thousands of orthopedic surgeries over the course of his professional career. With that experience, your dog is in the best hands.
Going Home
Your pet will go home comfortable, fully recovered from anesthesia, and able to walk. You will receive printed instructions, and dedicated post-operative support is available 7 days a week-including weekends.
Providing peace of mind and comfort
What to Expect After Shoulder OCD Arthroscopy Surgery
Most dogs recover quickly after shoulder arthroscopy. Mild stiffness or lameness is normal at first, but with proper rest and guided activity, your dog will gradually regain comfort and mobility.
We provide 7-days-a-week support to guide you through every step of recovery.
Tips for Recovery:
✔ Follow all activity and exercise restrictions closely.
✔ Return for scheduled rechecks - they’re covered in the surgery fee.
✔ Contact us with any concerns - the surgeon is just a phone call away.
The Safest pet anesthesia. For Every Pet. In Every way.
Ensure your pet’s safety with expert anesthesia care tailored to their specific needs, managed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Meet the Dedicated Team Behind Our Success
Dr. Wypart has twenty years of experience with various soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. After graduating from veterinary school, he completed rigorous specialty training in veterinary surgery.
Dr. Wypart is a highly skilled veterinarian with over two decades of experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He earned his veterinary degree from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and completed advanced specialty training in veterinary surgery at the European University of Environmental and Life Sciences. His clinical skills have been shaped by extensive international practice across Europe and North America.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2012, Dr. Wypart has become known for his surgical expertise, particularly in orthopedic procedures involving joint trauma, complex fractures, and advanced soft tissue techniques. A member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, he has performed over 1,000 successful TPLO surgeries and remains actively engaged in continuing education focused on fracture management, joint disease, and advanced soft tissue procedures.
Dr. Wypart founded SurgiPet to make high-quality, specialized surgical care more accessible and affordable for pets in San Diego and surrounding communities, with a focus on procedures like TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament repair.
Outside of surgery, Dr. Wypart enjoys growing vegetables in his backyard, perfecting new soup recipes, and hiking Potato Chip Mountain.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA, is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist with over fifteen years of experience. She ensures pets stay safe, stable, and comfortable - just as human anesthesiologists do for people.
Dr. Margaret Wypart, DACVAA is the Medical Director and co-founder of SurgiPet, where she leads the development of advanced anesthesia protocols to ensure surgical safety and comfort for every patient. She has been dedicated to veterinary anesthesia for over a decade, having completed a competitive 3-year residency in Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school known for its highly respected veterinary training program.
One of only a few board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists practicing in San Diego County, Dr. Wypart’s clinical focus is entirely on keeping pets safe and pain-free during surgery. She specializes in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to minimize discomfort and reduce reliance on systemic medications—allowing pets to wake up more smoothly and return home the same day. Her approach follows the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), emphasizing proactive pain control, early mobility, and rapid return to function.
Her protocols have been adopted by practices across the region, reflecting her commitment to elevating anesthesia standards and improving surgical outcomes. She collaborates closely with primary care veterinarians and pet owners throughout San Diego County, offering individualized patient care, advanced consultation, and hands-on training for veterinary technicians.
Outside of work, Dr. Wypart enjoys hiking, skiing, and photography.
Amber has over two decades of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician. One of her greatest joys is mentoring and training newer staff, sharing the passion for veterinary care that has driven her throughout her career.
Amber is a Registered Veterinary Technician and our Nursing Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. Most of Amber’s career has been spent in emergency and intensive care, where she developed strong skills in critical patient management, anesthesia, and team leadership. For the past two years, she has brought that expertise to our surgical center, where she focuses on ensuring a smooth experience for patients from admission through recovery and supporting our team in providing exceptional surgical nursing care.
Amber is passionate about creating a positive, collaborative environment for both her team and our clients. She believes that every patient deserves individualized, compassionate care and takes pride in building trust with the families who bring their pets to us. She also enjoys mentoring veterinary professionals and helping others grow within the field.
Outside of work, Amber loves spending time with her family and many pets, traveling in their RV, and curling up with a good book.
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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder (also called shoulder dysplasia) is a condition that affects the shoulder joint in dogs. In this condition, the cartilage covering the surfaces of the bones in the shoulder joint fails to develop correctly.
Abnormal cartilage growth leads to the formation of small pieces of cartilage that break off and float inside the joint, causing pain and stiffness. Over time, this condition can lead to osteoarthritis and permanent damage to the joint. Therefore, arthroscopy may be necessary for most dogs to repair the joint and restore its function.
Dogs with shoulder dysplasia (OCD) usually begin showing symptoms between 4 and 12 months. Large or giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Labradors, are more likely to suffer from shoulder OCD.
Arthroscopy is the most effective treatment for shoulder OCD in dogs. The surgeon removes loose or damaged cartilage to relieve pain and help the joint heal. It improves mobility, reduces pain, and helps prevent long-term arthritis. The procedure is minimally invasive and highly successful - most dogs return to full mobility within 3–4 months.
Arthroscopy for Shoulder OCD in dogs is not an emergency; however, the ideal time for surgery is as soon as OCD is diagnosed, especially if your dog shows signs like limping or pain. The sooner the arthroscopy is done, the better the chance of preventing further damage to the joint and ensuring a good recovery.
Recovery is typically smooth and faster than with open surgery. Many dogs begin cautiously using the leg within 48 hours, and most are placing weight by day 5. By 2–3 weeks, walking improves, though full recovery takes 8–12 weeks.
Physical therapy is recommended to rebuild strength and mobility. The prognosis is very good - most dogs return to normal activity with less pain and better function. With proper care and rehab, many go on to live fully active lives after surgery.
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but rapid growth and abnormal cartilage development are key factors. Genetics, high-calorie diets, and joint strain may all contribute. Some dogs are predisposed due to breed or family history, while others develop OCD from growing too quickly or from repetitive joint stress.
The condition occurs when cartilage doesn’t form properly, leading to loose fragments in the joint that cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Common signs include:
- Lameness in a front leg, often mild at first
- Limping that is worse after exercise
- Limping that improves after a few days of rest
- Limping only after activity, or frequently favoring the affected leg
- Waxing and waning symptoms with periods of normal use
- In more severe cases, holding the leg up and avoiding weight-bearing
- Stiffness especially in the morning
Shoulder OCD arthroscopy often costs $8,000–$10,000 at large hospitals in Southern California. At SurgiPet, our $5,150 flat fee (2025) covers all standard surgical costs - consults, anesthesia, board-certified anesthesiologist’s fees, OR, surgeon’s fee - plus extras often billed separately elsewhere, including:
- Pain meds, sedative, antibiotics, anti-nausea meds (for the first 2 weeks)
- Support sling to help your dog walk during early recovery
- All rechecks & X-rays for 4 months
- Sedation for X-rays if needed
- Pre-op bloodwork and chest films (if needed)
- Use of 4K Arthrex Synergy UHD4™ arthroscopy system
Not included: medications beyond two weeks (sedatives), surgical complications, CT scan or ultrasound (if needed), physical therapy, or rechecks beyond 4 months.
You’ll meet with both the surgeon and anesthesiologist in person to review the plan and ask any final questions. Your dog’s surgery is performed in a modern OR using Arthrex’s 4K Synergy UHD4™ arthroscopy system for exceptional joint visualization.
An anesthesiologist monitors your pet throughout, using advanced equipment and multimodal pain control. After surgery, your pet recovers in a quiet area under direct supervision. Most dogs are ready to go home by the evening - fully awake, comfortable, and sent home with meds, a support sling, and clear, personalized care instructions.