What is a cystotomy?

A cystotomy is a surgical procedure performed to open the bladder and remove urinary stones (uroliths). These stones can cause pain, irritation, difficulty urinating, and even life-threatening urinary obstructions.

Why is a cystotomy performed?

Urinary stones can develop due to factors such as diet, infection, genetics, or metabolic disorders. A cystotomy is recommended when:

• Stones are too large to pass naturally
• There is a risk of urinary obstruction
• Medical management has not successfully dissolved the stones
• Stones are causing recurrent infections or irritation

What to expect during surgery

1. An incision is made in the abdomen to access the bladder.
2. The bladder is carefully opened, and all visible stones are removed.
3. The bladder and urethra are flushed to remove any remaining small stone fragments.
4. The incision is closed, and your dog is monitored for a safe recovery.

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What to expect after surgery

• Hospitalisation: Your pet will stay overnight, to ensure pain management, monitor their initial recovery, and address any post-surgical concerns with our 24/7 on-site team.
• Recovery period: Your dog will require a 2-week recovery period post-surgery. During this time, it’s important to limit activity to avoid strain on the surgical site.
• Blood in the urine: It is normal for urine to be tinged with blood for several days after surgery.
• Frequent urination: Your dog may need to urinate more frequently during the healing period.
• Incision care: The surgical incision on the abdomen should be monitored for swelling, redness, or discharge.
• Pain management: Medications will be prescribed to keep your dog comfortable during recovery.

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Long-term management

To reduce the risk of future stone formation, a special diet and ongoing monitoring are recommended:

• Prescription diet: Your veterinarian will recommend a urinary-specific diet to help prevent new stones from forming.
• Increased water intake: Encouraging your dog to drink more water helps dilute the urine and reduce stone formation.
• Regular urinalysis and imaging: Follow-up veterinary visits with urine tests and bladder ultrasounds/X-rays may be required to detect and prevent recurrence.

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When to contact your veterinarian:

• Straining to urinate or inability to pass urine
• Excessive blood in the urine beyond the first few days
• Lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Signs of pain or discomfort

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With appropriate treatment and management, most dogs recover well from a cystotomy and can lead a healthy, comfortable life.