Bladder Stone Removal in Dogs: Surgical Treatment Options
Bladder stones, also called uroliths, are mineral formations that can develop within a dog’s urinary bladder. Depending on their size, number, and location, bladder stones can cause discomfort, urinary problems, and potentially serious complications.
When surgical removal is necessary, a procedure called a cystotomy may be performed to remove the stones from the bladder.
Signs of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Dogs with bladder stones may show signs such as:
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating small amounts frequently
- Accidents in the house
- Signs of discomfort while urinating
- Licking around the urinary opening
A complete urinary obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?
Bladder stones may be identified using diagnostic testing such as imaging and urinalysis.
Because AZ Vet Direct is a surgery-focused veterinary clinic, pets requiring diagnosis or medical management of urinary problems may need to be evaluated by a full-service veterinarian before being referred for surgery.
Surgical Removal of Bladder Stones
When bladder stones require surgical removal, a cystotomy may be performed.
During a cystotomy, the veterinarian makes an incision into the abdomen and bladder to access and remove the stones. The bladder is then closed and the surgical site is carefully monitored during recovery.
Surgical removal allows the veterinarian to physically remove stones that are present in the bladder.
What About Non-Surgical or Minimally Invasive Stone Removal?
There are veterinary facilities that may offer alternative techniques for managing or removing certain types of urinary stones, depending on the patient’s condition and the type and location of the stones.
AZ Vet Direct does not offer non-surgical, laser, or ultrasonic bladder-stone removal procedures.
AZ Vet Direct’s bladder-stone treatment is limited to surgical intervention when a cystotomy is indicated and appropriate for the patient.
What Happens After Surgery?
Your veterinarian will provide postoperative instructions based on your dog’s individual procedure and condition.
Recovery may include activity restrictions, monitoring the incision, administering prescribed medications, and watching for changes in urination or other signs of complications.
If stones are submitted for analysis, the results may provide information about their composition and can help a full-service veterinarian determine whether additional medical management or dietary recommendations are appropriate.
Bladder Stone Surgery at AZ Vet Direct
AZ Vet Direct is a surgery-focused veterinary clinic serving pet owners in the Mesa and Southeast Valley area.
We provide surgical bladder-stone removal when cystotomy is appropriate.
We do not provide the diagnostic workup, ongoing urinary disease management, non-surgical stone removal, laser lithotripsy, ultrasonic stone dissolution, or other minimally invasive stone-removal procedures described by some specialty facilities.
Pets requiring those services should be evaluated by an appropriate full-service or specialty veterinary provider.
For patients who have already been evaluated and referred for surgical treatment, AZ Vet Direct can provide information about the surgical procedure, requirements, and recovery.
