What is a cystotomy and why does my pet need it?
Cystotomy is surgery performed to enter the bladder. Most commonly, pets undergo a cystotomy to remove bladder stones. However, a cystotomy may also be performed due to a tumor in the bladder or to assist in removing a blockage in the urethra.
Offer food & water after surgery
Cystotomy in dogs is used to treat and diagnose a number of complications seen in canines. Some canine breeds are highly prone to developing bladder conditions, especially Dalmatian dogs with bladder stones. All Dalmatians are born without the ability to convert uric acid to allantoin acid, or urine. The high concentration of the acid within the bladder imbalances the pH levels between acid and basic, leading to calcified formations called urolithiasis (bladder stones).
A cystotomy in dogs is surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the wall of the urinary bladder. This type of procedure is used to treat a number of canine conditions, but is also performed to diagnose a problem that other diagnostic tests did not reveal. A veterinarian may perform a cystotomy in a dog to collect a biopsy, conduct an exploratory, or to treat an identified problem such as a tumor, bladder stones and urethral obstructions. The total operation usually last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and the patient will be hospitalized for two to three days postoperatively.
Hello my dog (approx 8yo) male dachshund mix just got a cystotomy for bladder stones. He’s always had alkaline urine and struvite crystals (with no infection), and now “many” stones were discovered on ultrasound. I just visited my dog 24 hours post op at the hospital and he was completely incontinent leaking urine constantly. Is this normal and how long should I expect this to last when I take him home? The vet on his case today was extremely rude and wouldn’t answer any questions.
Following a cystotomy procedure, the dog will be hospitalized for a period of time for monitoring purposes and to continue the administration of fluids. The passing of blood clots through the urine is a common occurrence for canines who have undergone a cystotomy and the patient will not be allowed home until the clots have minimized. Pain will be controlled through the use of opioids directly following surgery, but at home, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) should continue for 3-5 days. The patient should receive a higher than normal water intake at home to keep the dog hydrated and to routinely flush the bladder.
Dog Cystotomy/bladder stone removal. What to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Experiencing pain from dog bladder stones can be very challenging and painful for your pup.
“Ma’am, I hate to inform you but Rover has bladder stones. The stones are most likely calcium oxalate stones because of the crystals in the urine. We will have to surgically remove them and submit a sample to the lab (Minnesota Dog Urolith Center) for an exact diagnosis.”
A few thousand is a chunk of change for most of us! You want to make sure the surgery sticks at that price.
So what is the best method of caring for a cat or a dog after bladder stone surgery?
Following surgery, keep an eye on Rover for any signs that he is again having trouble urinating or is in pain.
Also, give Rover extra attention and love while he recovers and follow all instructions given by your veterinarian.