A cystotomy is a common surgical procedure performed for a dog or cat having bladder problems.
The incision to the urinary bladder is made to remove bladder stones, repair a ruptured urinary bladder or remove bladder tumors or blood clots. At Countryside, a cystotomy is primarily used to remove painful bladder and urethral stones. 
Has your dog started having accidents in your house or do they seem to be going out more to try to use the bathroom?
Let us give you the breakdown on bladder stones:













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Typically, dogs or cats come in because they are staining to urinate, urinating more frequently or they have blood in their urine. It’s then discovered through several tests and  x-rays or ultrasound that the dog’s discomfort has been caused by bladder stones. Bladder stones are rock like formations of minerals that vary in size and collections. Generally, bladder stones must be surgically removed. ​

Did you know? 

  • Bladder stones can form in dogs and cats just like they do in humans. 
  • Bladder stones range in size and collections. There may be a large, single stone or multiple stones of different sizes.
  • If your pet is not able to urinate, a stone may be lodged in the uretha. If the obstruction is not removed, the bladder can rupture.​
If you suspect that your pet has bladder stones, consider this a medical emergency and contact our staff immediately. 
Dalmatian with bladder stones
Dalmatians are at a higher risk for developing bladder stones.