At Animal Works, we see pets for all kinds of needs — from routine vaccines to life-changing surgical care. One condition that can be surprising (and scary) for pet owners is bladder stones.
If you’ve ever noticed your pet straining to urinate, having accidents, or showing signs of discomfort, bladder stones could be the cause — and in some cases, surgery may be the best solution.
🐶 What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form inside your pet’s bladder. They can be tiny like grains of sand or grow large enough to cause serious problems.
These stones can lead to:
- Pain and irritation
- Urinary tract infections
- Difficulty urinating
- Dangerous blockages
In severe cases, a blockage can become a life-threatening emergency, especially if your pet cannot pass urine.
⚠️ Signs to Watch For
Bladder stones don’t always show up right away, but common warning signs include:
- Straining or taking a long time to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent attempts to go
- Accidents in the house
- Licking at the urinary area
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your pet evaluated as soon as possible.
🏥 What Is a Cystotomy?
When stones can’t be dissolved with diet or medication, your veterinarian may recommend a cystotomy — a surgical procedure to remove them.
During a cystotomy, your pet is safely anesthetized, and the veterinarian:
- Makes a small incision into the abdomen
- Carefully opens the bladder
- Removes the stones
- Flushes the bladder to clear any remaining debris
- Closes everything securely for healing
It may sound intimidating, but this is a common and effective surgery that can quickly relieve pain and restore normal function.
💙 Why Surgery Can Be So Important
While some bladder stones can be managed with special diets, not all types will dissolve. In those cases, surgery is often the fastest and safest way to help your pet feel better.
A cystotomy can even be life-saving if a stone is blocking the urinary tract and preventing your pet from urinating.
The good news? The bladder heals quickly, and most pets recover very well with proper care.
🐾 Recovery & Prevention
After surgery, your pet will need some rest and monitoring while they heal. Your veterinarian may also recommend:
- A special urinary diet
- Increased water intake
- Follow-up visits with your primary clinic
- Stone analysis to prevent recurrence
Because yes — bladder stones can come back, but with the right plan, we can greatly reduce that risk.
💉 Affordable Surgical Care You Can Trust
At Animal Works, we know that unexpected surgery can be stressful — both emotionally and financially. That’s why we’re committed to providing affordable surgical options, including procedures like cystotomy, so pets can get the care they need without delay.
🐶 When in Doubt, Check It Out
If something doesn’t seem right with your pet’s bathroom habits, trust your instincts. Early detection can make all the difference — and in some cases, it can save your pet’s life. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact us!