Veterinary SurgeryRefer a case
Soft-tissue surgery · Kentucky & Southern Indiana
Bladder stone surgery (cystotomy) in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA provides board-certified bladder stone surgery (cystotomy) through KVS partner veterinary clinics.
01
What is a cystotomy?
A cystotomy is surgery to open the bladder, most often to remove bladder stones. Stones form from minerals in the urine and can cause blood in the urine, straining, frequent urination, and accidents. Stones can also move into the urethra and block urine flow.
02
When is surgery recommended?
Some stones, such as struvite stones, may dissolve with a special diet. Surgery is usually recommended for stones that won't dissolve, such as calcium oxalate, or for stones causing repeated infections, pain, or a blockage risk. Bladder masses can also be removed through a cystotomy if they are away from the trigone, the area where the urethra and ureters connect. KVS doesn't offer cystoscopy or PCCL, but uses a small incision that isn't much larger than a PCCL incision. If a large part of the bladder has to be removed for a mass, some dogs have more urgency and accidents at first, but in most cases this improves with time as the bladder stretches back out.
If your pet is in distress right now, contact your primary veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital first. KVS does not provide emergency care and is not a walk-in hospital. Once your pet is stable, your veterinarian can contact KVS about surgical options. A pet straining to urinate with little or no urine coming out, especially a male cat, can have a life-threatening blockage.
03
What surgery involves
Under general anesthesia, the bladder is opened through the abdomen, and all stones are removed. The urethra is flushed to make sure no small stones are left behind, and the bladder is closed. Radiographs are always taken after surgery to confirm every stone was removed. A culture and stone analysis are sent off, and your primary veterinarian follows up with you on the results, which help guide diet and prevention.
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How the KVS referral model works
Your veterinarian evaluates your pet and submits a referral.
KVS reviews the records and plans the case.
Surgery stays with the local team at the participating clinic, followed by a coordinated recovery and recheck plan.
05
Recovery
Pets can often go home the same day as surgery. Blood in the urine and more frequent urination are common for several days. Activity is restricted for about 2 weeks while the incision heals. Long-term, prevention matters: your veterinarian will usually recommend a diet and periodic urine tests or imaging based on the stone analysis. A recheck at 2 weeks is scheduled for suture removal.
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Service area
Louisville Metro and surrounding Kentucky communities; Lexington and Central Kentucky partner practices; Southern Indiana. KVS is not a walk-in hospital. Availability is coordinated with participating veterinary clinics.
Common questions
Common questions about bladder stone surgery
Who performs this surgery for KVS?
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA, an ACVS board-certified small-animal surgeon and the owner of Kentucky Veterinary Surgery.
Where is surgery done?
At participating veterinary clinics in Louisville, Lexington, surrounding Kentucky communities, and Southern Indiana.
Can bladder stones come back?
Yes, some types can. Stone analysis helps your veterinarian recommend a diet and monitoring plan to lower the chance they return.
Is my pet's straining an emergency?
It can be. If your pet is straining and producing little or no urine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency hospital right away. KVS does not provide emergency care.
How do I get started?
Begin with your primary veterinarian, who can confirm the stones with radiographs or ultrasound and submit a referral to KVS.
Sources
References
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Urinary Stones. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/urinary-stones/
Next step
Start with the veterinary team who knows your pet.
Pet owners: ask your primary veterinarian to submit the referral.
Find a partner clinic