Bladder Stone Surgery in Fairlawn, OH
Cystotomy Procedure for Dogs and Cats
If your dog is straining to urinate, passing small amounts of urine, or showing signs of discomfort when going outside, bladder stones may be the cause. In some cases, surgical removal is necessary to relieve pain and restore normal urinary flow.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate urinary symptoms carefully and determine whether medical management or surgery is appropriate. When surgery is needed, we perform a cystotomy procedure to remove bladder stones safely and guide you through recovery.
We provide bladder stone surgery for dogs and cats in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop inside the bladder. They can vary in size and number. Some are small and sand-like. Others grow large enough to block urine flow.
Common signs of bladder stones include:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Accidents in the house
- Licking at the urinary area
- Discomfort when touched near the abdomen
In male dogs especially, bladder stones can cause a life-threatening urinary blockage if they obstruct the urethra.
How We Diagnose Bladder Stones
We begin with a physical examination and review of your pet’s symptoms. Diagnostic testing may include:
- Urinalysis
- Radiographs
- Ultrasound imaging
These tests allow us to confirm the presence of stones and evaluate their size and location.
Some types of stones may be managed medically with diet changes and monitoring. Others require surgical removal, especially if they are causing obstruction or ongoing discomfort.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
What Is a Cystotomy Procedure?
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure used to open the bladder and remove stones directly.
Before surgery, we perform a full examination and may recommend bloodwork to evaluate organ function and anesthesia safety.
During the procedure:
- The bladder is carefully opened
- Stones are removed
- The bladder is flushed to remove smaller debris
- The incision is closed securely
- Pain management is provided throughout
We monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature continuously during surgery.
Most pets return home the same day unless additional monitoring is required.
When Is Bladder Stone Surgery Necessary?
Cystotomy is typically recommended when:
- Stones are too large to dissolve
- Medical management has failed
- Repeated urinary infections occur
- There is urinary obstruction
- Your pet is in significant discomfort
If a blockage is suspected, immediate evaluation is critical.
Recovery After Bladder Stone Surgery
Recovery from a cystotomy is generally straightforward when post-operative instructions are followed carefully.
Most pets require:
- Restricted activity for about two weeks
- Monitoring of the incision site
- Pain medication as prescribed
- Follow-up testing to evaluate urine
It is common to see mild blood-tinged urine for a short time after surgery. However, if straining, lethargy, or continued bleeding occurs, we recommend contacting us promptly.
We also discuss dietary changes or preventive strategies depending on the type of stone identified.
What Happens If Stones Are Not Removed?
Bladder stones can irritate the bladder lining and increase the risk of infection. In severe cases, stones can obstruct urine flow, which is a medical emergency.
Untreated obstruction can lead to serious complications. Early intervention helps prevent these risks and supports better long-term urinary health.
Is Cystotomy Surgery Safe?
All surgery carries some level of risk. We reduce risk by performing pre-surgical evaluations, recommending bloodwork when appropriate, and closely monitoring anesthesia.
We also provide structured pain management and detailed recovery instructions to support comfort and healing.
If your pet has other medical conditions, we adjust surgical planning accordingly.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for Bladder Stone Surgery
Urinary issues can develop quickly and cause significant discomfort. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Careful diagnosis
- Clear explanation of treatment options
- Structured anesthesia monitoring
- Detailed recovery guidance
- Follow-up support
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide individualized surgical care for each patient.
To learn more about our broader surgical services, visit our Advanced Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bladder Stone Surgery
How do I know if my dog has bladder stones?
Straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and frequent attempts to urinate are common signs. Diagnostic testing confirms the presence of stones.
Can bladder stones dissolve without surgery?
Some stones may dissolve with diet and medical management. Others require surgical removal. The stone type determines the approach.
How long does it take to recover from a cystotomy?
Most dogs recover within two weeks with activity restriction and proper incision care.
Is urinary blockage an emergency?
Yes. If your dog is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine, immediate veterinary care is necessary.
Will bladder stones come back?
Recurrence is possible depending on stone type. We often recommend dietary adjustments and follow-up testing to reduce recurrence risk.
Is the cystotomy procedure painful?
We use structured pain management before, during, and after surgery to support comfort.
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule a Bladder Stone Evaluation in Fairlawn
If your dog or cat is showing signs of urinary discomfort, we are here to help.
We will evaluate your pet, determine whether bladder stone surgery is needed, and guide you through recovery.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
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Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
