Bladder Stones in Pets: Signs, Treatment, and Cystotomy Surgery

At Summit Veterinary Care, we are proud to serve the Northern Virginia community with compassionate, high-quality veterinary care in a warm and welcoming environment. When pets aren’t feeling their best – especially with issues that affect comfort and daily habits like urination – we know how important it is to get answers quickly. Conditions like bladder stones can be painful and, in some cases, serious, but with timely diagnosis and the right treatment plan, pets can recover well and return to a comfortable, healthy life.

What Are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones (also called uroliths) are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder. They can vary in size, number, and type, and may irritate the bladder lining or block the flow of urine.

Some stones are small and cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to significant discomfort, or even become life-threatening should they cause a urinary obstruction.

Signs of Bladder Stones

Bladder stones often affect how your pet urinates. Common signs include:

Straining to urinate
Frequent attempts to urinate with little output
Blood in the urine
Accidents in the house
Discomfort or restlessness

In male pets especially, a complete blockage can occur, which is a medical emergency. If your pet is unable to urinate, immediate veterinary care is critical.

How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosing bladder stones typically involves a combination of:

Physical examination
Urinalysis
Imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound

These tools help us determine the size, number, and type of stones, which guides treatment recommendations.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of stone, your pet’s symptoms, and overall health.

In some cases, specialized prescription diets can help dissolve certain types of stones over time. However, not all stones are dissolvable, and some situations require more immediate intervention.

When stones are causing significant discomfort, are too large, or pose a risk of obstruction, surgical removal is often the best option.

What Is a Cystotomy?

A cystotomy is a surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones. During this procedure, the bladder is carefully opened, the stones are removed, and the bladder is flushed to ensure any remaining debris is cleared.

At Summit Veterinary Care, we perform cystotomies with a strong focus on precision, safety, and patient comfort.

What to Expect with Surgery

Before surgery, your pet will receive a thorough evaluation, including lab work, to ensure they are stable and ready for anesthesia.

During the procedure:

Your pet is placed under general anesthesia
The bladder is accessed surgically and stones are removed
The bladder and urinary tract are flushed
The incision is carefully closed

We also typically send stones for analysis, which helps us understand their composition and guide future prevention.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most pets recover well from cystotomy surgery and go home the same day or shortly after.

Post-operative care includes:

Pain management medication
Possible antibiotics
Activity restriction for 10–14 days
Monitoring urination and incision healing

You may notice some mild blood in the urine initially, which can be normal during early recovery. Our team will guide you on what to expect and when to check in.

Preventing Future Stones

One of the most important parts of treatment is prevention. Once we know what type of stones your pet had, we can create a plan to reduce the risk of recurrence.

This may include:

Prescription urinary diets
Increased water intake
Routine monitoring with urinalysis or imaging

Every pet is different, and we tailor prevention plans to fit your pet’s needs and lifestyle.

Our Approach to Urinary Health

At Summit Veterinary Care, we know urinary issues can be stressful for both pets and their owners. Our goal is to provide clear answers, effective treatment, and ongoing support so you never feel unsure about your pet’s care.

We focus on:

Timely diagnostics
Thoughtful, individualized treatment plans
Skilled surgical care when needed
Long-term prevention and monitoring

Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable Again

Bladder stones can be uncomfortable and sometimes serious, but with the right care, they are very treatable. Whether your pet needs medical management or surgical intervention, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

At Summit Veterinary Care, we’re committed to helping your pet feel better, stay healthy, and get back to their normal routine as quickly as possible.