A periosteal elevator is a surgical instrument used in veterinary medicine to separate the periosteum, a thin layer of connective tissue that covers the bone, from the bone itself. This may be done in order to access the bone for a surgical procedure, such as a bone graft or the insertion of a bone plate.

Periosteal elevators are typically made of stainless steel and have a long, slender handle with a curved or angled tip at the end. The tip of the instrument is used to gently lift and separate the periosteum from the bone, allowing the veterinarian to access the underlying bone.

Periosteal elevators are commonly used in veterinary orthopaedic surgery, as well as in general surgery and dentistry. They are an important tool for veterinarians in providing comprehensive care for animals.