Urinary Bladder Surgery for Stones in Pets | Cystotomy

Bladder stones in pets — dogs and cats mainly — are more than just uncomfortable; neglecting to treat them can be a death knell. Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are rock-like accumulations of minerals that develop in the urinary bladder when they clump together and crystallize. These can irritate the bladder lining, be painful, cause infections, and in rare cases obstruct urine flow entirely — a veterinary emergency. For many pets that have bladder stones that do not respond to diet or medical therapy, the initial attempt at surgical removal of a cystotomy is unsuccessful, and your surgeon may need to use the laser. In this blog post, we are going to dissect what you need to know about bladder stone surgery in pets and cover the bases of ‘what are stones, why does my pet need surgery, how surgery is performed, recovery details, prevention tips, and then cover off some real-life stats as well as expert commentary. So whether you’re a new or experienced pet owner, this guide will explain everything in simple words. Table of Contents

Various types of stones are made from different minerals. Some of these are the following: Each subtype affects the decision and risk of recurrence.

Early Signs: Emergency Signs: If your pet cannot urinate at all, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

A cystotomy (surgical opening of the bladder) is indicated when: Stones too big to pass by themselves Some struvite stones in dogs can be dissolved with dietary therapy over ~3 months, calcium oxalate stones will almost never dissolve and must be surgically removed.

Each option has its time, and your vet will advise based on the size of the stone, the number of stones, and your pet’s health.

After surgery, stones can return if the root causes are not treated. Strategies include:

Strip out your stone. A proven and effective way of alleviating pain, preventing life-threatening blockages, and getting your pet back to their normal selves is with bladder stone surgery – cystotomy. With accurate diagnosis and expert surgical care, as well as careful planning for prevention, many of these patients have a good outcome and return to a happy, active life following surgery. If your pet has any urinary signs — especially straining, increased frequency of urination, or blood in the urine — don’t delay. Early veterinary intervention often means the difference between life and death. Because in the end, when it comes to expert, compassionate care crafted for your four-legged family member, AV Veterinary Center can lead you through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery, with the right preventive measures in place.