Bladder Stone Surgery (Cystotomy) for Dogs & Cats in Chantilly, VA
Bladder stones (urinary stones) can cause significant discomfort and urinary problems in both dogs and cats. In some cases, stones can irritate the bladder lining, leading to blood in the urine or recurrent infections. In more serious situations, stones can contribute to partial or complete urinary obstruction, which becomes an urgent medical concern.
At Nova Pets Surgical Center, bladder stone cases are evaluated individually to determine whether surgery is the most appropriate treatment option. When indicated, bladder stone removal surgery (cystotomy) is performed to remove stones and restore normal urinary function
Surgical Experience You Can Trust
Dr. Masood has devoted more than 25 years to performing advanced surgical procedures in dogs and cats. Over the course of his career, he has completed hundreds of surgeries, approaching each case with disciplined technique, careful clinical judgment, and a consistent focus on patient safety and thoughtful outcomes.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop within the urinary bladder. They vary in size, shape, and composition. Some are small and cause intermittent irritation, while others can accumulate and create ongoing discomfort or urinary difficulty.
Bladder stones may:
Irritate the bladder wall and cause inflammation
Contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections
Lead to blood in the urine
Move toward the urethra and increase the risk of obstruction
Because stone type matters, treatment is based on clinical findings and diagnostic results rather than assumptions.
Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Dogs & Cats
Signs of bladder stones can overlap with urinary tract infection, which is why evaluation is important. Common symptoms include:
Straining to urinate
Frequent small urinations
Blood in the urine
Accidents in the house or changes in litter box behavior
Discomfort during urination
Increased licking of the genital area
Restlessness or signs of abdominal discomfort
If your pet is unable to pass urine at all, this can become urgent and should be treated as an emergency.
WWhen Is Bladder Stone Surgery Necessary?
Some stones may be managed medically depending on the stone type and individual case factors. However, surgery is commonly recommended when stones are unlikely to dissolve, when the stone burden is significant, or when symptoms persist despite medical management.
Bladder stone surgery may be recommended when:
Imaging confirms stones that are not expected to dissolve safely
Your pet has recurrent urinary issues or persistent blood in the urine
Discomfort is ongoing or progressive
Stones are contributing to obstruction risk
Medical management has not resolved the condition
The purpose of surgery is straightforward: remove the stones and allow the urinary tract to function normally again, while also setting a plan to reduce recurrence when possible.
How Bladder Stone Surgery (Cystotomy) Works
Bladder stone removal (cystotomy) is performed under general anesthesia. Before surgery, diagnostic imaging—most commonly x-rays and/or ultrasound—is used to confirm the presence of stones and help estimate size and number. This also helps guide surgical planning and determine whether there is concern for obstruction.
During the procedure, the bladder is accessed surgically and opened in a controlled manner so stones can be removed directly. The bladder is then carefully flushed to help clear smaller fragments, and the urinary tract is assessed to reduce the chance that stones remain behind. The bladder is closed using secure, layered closure techniques to support healing and minimize the risk of leakage.
When appropriate, stones may be submitted for analysis to help guide prevention strategies. After surgery, recovery planning focuses on comfort, safe urination, incision care, and follow-up as needed.
Recovery After Cystotomy
Recovery after bladder stone surgery typically involves:
Activity restriction during healing
Incision monitoring and at-home care instructions
Pain management and medications as prescribed
A gradual return to normal activity
Follow-up as needed to assess healing and urinary comfort
It is common for urinary patterns to improve as inflammation settles and healing progresses. Owners receive clear discharge instructions, and our team remains available to answer questions that arise during recovery.
Reducing the Risk of Recurrence
Bladder stones can recur, and prevention depends on the stone type and underlying contributing factors. When possible, a prevention plan may include:
Dietary recommendations based on stone type
Encouraging hydration
Follow-up urine testing when indicated
Imaging rechecks in patients with recurrent stone history
The goal is to reduce the likelihood of future stones while supporting long-term urinary health.
Surgical Evaluation
If your pet has been diagnosed with bladder stones—or is showing signs of urinary discomfort—a surgical evaluation can determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
If your pet requires bladder stone removal surgery (cystotomy), contact Nova Pets to schedule a consultation and discuss treatment options.
📞 703-378-9791
or schedule a consultation online
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. “Cystotomy” is the medical term for surgically opening the bladder to remove stones.
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It can be. Some pets can pass small amounts of urine even when there is significant irritation or partial obstruction. Persistent straining, discomfort, or worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
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Recurrence risk depends on stone type and contributing factors. When possible, a prevention plan is tailored using clinical history and stone analysis to reduce recurrence.
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This depends on patient stability and the specifics of the case. Some patients may go home the same day, while others benefit from additional monitoring.
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When appropriate, stone analysis can provide useful information for prevention planning. Whether it is recommended depends on the individual case.
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If your pet is unable to urinate or appears severely painful outside business hours, immediate evaluation at a 24-hour emergency facility is recommended.