Bladder Surgery in Dogs and Cats (Cystotomy)

1.Bladder surgery in pets is medically referred to as a Cystotomy. This procedure involves surgically opening the bladder to provide treatment for various conditions.

• Cystic Calculi Removal

The most common reason for surgery

Some stones cannot be dissolved with specialized diets or are large enough to cause a life-threatening urethral obstruction

• Biopsy

Performed to collect tissue samples for diagnostic purposes, such as when tumors or bladder cancer are suspected.

• Tumor Removal

Surgery to remove masses or cancerous cells from the bladder wall

• Correcting Urethral Obstruction

If stones are stuck in the urethra, veterinarians may perform a "retropulsion" to push the stones back into the bladder so they can be safely removed

2. Surgical Principles and Procedures

The surgical process involves several critical steps to ensure the safety of the pet:

• Pre-surgical Evaluation: Crucial for pets with obstructions who may suffer from high blood urea (Azotemia) or high potassium (Hyperkalemia). These conditions must be stabilized before surgery.
• Anesthesia and Preparation: The pet is placed under general anesthesia, and the abdominal area is surgically cleaned and prepared.
• Accessing the Bladder: An incision is made in the lower abdomen. The bladder is lifted out and protected with sterile laparotomy sponges to prevent urine from contaminating the abdominal cavity.
• Stone Removal: The veterinarian incises the bladder wall to remove stones or foreign objects. The bladder and urethra are then thoroughly flushed to clear out any remaining small stones or sediment.
• Closing the Incision: The bladder is closed using specialized suturing techniques (typically with absorbable sutures) to prevent leakage, followed by a standard abdominal closure.

3. Post-Operative Care and Risks

• Hospitalization: Pets typically stay in the hospital for 1–3 days to monitor for complications like bleeding or urine leaking into the abdomen (Uroabdomen).
• Wound Care: Owners must prevent the pet from licking or biting the incision site by using an Elizabethan Collar (cone).
• Stone Analysis: Removed stones should be sent to a lab for analysis to determine their exact type, which helps in creating a precise long-term management plan.
• Managing Recurrence: The greatest risk after surgery is the re-formation of stones. Owners must strictly follow specialized diets and ensure the pet drinks plenty of water as recommended by the veterinarian.