Article Summary
- Canine cystotomy to treat dog bladder stones is a relatively common surgical procedure for dogs.
- There are relatively few complications that come along with canine cystotomy surgery for dog bladder stones.
- Canine cystotomy surgery could qualify as life-saving surgery if a dog is unable to urinate due to a bladder stone blockage.
It isn’t uncommon for clinical terminology to leave anyone outside the healthcare field in the dark. The phrase “canine cystotomy” is a perfect example. A cystotomy is the name of the procedure veterinarians perform to surgically manage bladder stones, which are known to be a pretty common health issue for dogs.
In fact, it’s not unusual for dogs to live with bladder stones without issue for some time.
For dog owners facing the prospect of a canine cystotomy procedure, it helps to understand what it is, why it’s needed and what recovery from the surgery might look like.
Dog Bladder Stones
As mentioned earlier, bladder stones in dogs can be pretty common. They can range in size from very fine to as large as pebbles. Genetics can play a role in why dogs develop bladder stones, but they can also develop as a result of a urinary tract infection or other chronic illnesses like diabetes.
Dogs may experience pain and difficulty while urinating in addition to infection, swelling and severe inflammation as a result of bladder stones. While antibiotics or a prescribed diet specifically for urinary care may help some dogs, others may need to undergo a cystotomy to be free of the stones.
Canine Cystotomy Procedure
Surgery to manage dog bladder stones, known as a canine cystotomy, can be a lifesaving one if a dog is unable to urinate because of a blockage. The surgery itself requires a veterinarian to cut into a dog’s bladder and remove the stones.
Despite how invasive the procedure sounds, a canine cystotomy is a relatively common surgery for dogs. And the surgical specialists at Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit have performed this type of procedure countless times, in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Dog bladder stone surgery usually carries with it few complications, with the most common being a recurrence of stones in the future. Although some older dogs or dogs with certain chronic illnesses — such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease or adrenal disease — may be at higher risk for developing complications.
Dog Cystotomy Recovery
One of the best ways to minimize the potential for complications is to follow post-op recovery instructions as closely as possible. Make sure your dog has ample time to rest and recover and ensure that your dog’s stitches are protected during that time.
In addition, if a veterinarian prescribes a urinary health diet for your dog, it’s best to follow that guidance to prevent any future recurrences of bladder stones and potentially the need for additional surgery.
Affordable Dog Surgery
Every pet owner knows that finding affordable care for their dog or cat can be like finding a diamond in the rough. That’s why Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit specializes in surgical procedures as a means of keeping care affordable for pet owners.
While costs of certain procedures vary from one veterinary clinic to the next, our specialized approach is designed, in part, to save money for pet owners without sacrificing quality of care. And when it comes to canine cystotomy, Dr. Kelly’s keeps that same commitment to cost savings for pet owners.
If your dog, or your cat, has been diagnosed with bladder stones that require cystotomy surgery, reach out to our team at Dr. Kelly’s to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria, East Mesa, Queen Creek and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services or to schedule an appointment.
