Bladder stones are mineral clumps that form in the urine. They irritate the bladder, cause discomfort and accidents, and can even block urine from getting out. Some can be dissolved with a special diet, but many need to be removed surgically. Here's what cystotomy involves.
Some pets with bladder stones show no signs at all, and stones are found during a routine X-ray. Others show:
We start with a urine test, a urine culture to check for infection, and X-rays or an ultrasound to see the stones. The type of stone matters. We often remove struvite stones surgically too, as they can cause ongoing infection and carry a risk of obstruction if left while trying to dissolve them. Other types, such as calcium oxalate, can't be dissolved and need to be removed. Surgery is also the better choice when stones are very large, numerous, or causing blockages. During a cystotomy, a small incision is made in the bladder, the stones are removed, and the bladder and urethra are flushed to catch any small fragments. We take X-rays afterwards to confirm every stone is out, since small ones can otherwise be missed. We will often send the stones to a lab to identify their exact type, which guides prevention.
Your pet is under general anesthesia throughout, with pain management before, during and after surgery. Most pets go home within a day or two.
Some blood in the urine and frequent peeing are normal for several days as the bladder heals. Give plenty of chances to go outside, or keep the litter box close by.
Leash walks only, and a cone to protect the incision. Continue any medications as directed and encourage your pet to drink.
Recheck and stitch removal at 14 days. We'll review the lab results on the stones and start a prevention plan.
Follow the recommended diet, keep water intake up, and come in for regular urine checks and X-rays so any new stones are caught while they're small.
Everything above covers what most owners need. If you'd like to understand why stones form and how to keep them from coming back, this section walks through it.
Struvite stones in dogs are usually linked to bladder infections and are more common in females. In cats they often form without infection. Calcium oxalate stones can't be dissolved and are more common in small breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers and Lhasa Apsos. Urate stones are seen in Dalmatians and in pets with certain liver conditions. Less common types, such as cystine, also occur.
Different stones need different prevention strategies, and the wrong diet can make some types more likely. Lab analysis tells us exactly what we're dealing with, so the prevention plan fits your pet.
Stones often return, especially calcium oxalate. Diluting the urine is one of the most effective tools: wet food, adding water to meals, and water fountains all help. A prescription diet, a healthy weight and regular urine checks complete the plan.
Most pets recover smoothly. Uncommon risks include urine leaking from the bladder incision, infection, and small stones being left behind, which is why we take X-rays after surgery. New stones can form over time, which is why ongoing monitoring matters.
Besides dissolution diets for suitable stones, some specialty centres offer less invasive options, such as removing small stones through a scope or breaking them up with a laser. We'll let you know if one of these may suit your pet.
Sometimes. We often remove struvite stones surgically too, as they can cause ongoing infection and carry a risk of obstruction if left while trying to dissolve them. Calcium oxalate and some other types can't be dissolved. Tests help us predict which approach will work.
Yes, some blood is expected for several days. Call us if it's heavy, lasts longer than expected, or your pet is straining without producing urine.
They can, which is why the lab analysis and prevention plan are so important. Regular checks catch any new stones early.
It depends on your pet's size and case. We'll give you a clear, itemized estimate before anything is scheduled.
