The urinary procedures we offer include cystotomy, vulvoplasty/episioplasty, and the urinary unblocking of animals.
Cystotomy
A pet cystotomy is a common surgery where a veterinarian makes an incision in the urinary bladder, usually to remove bladder stones, tumors, or blockages, with pets typically recovering within 2 weeks.
Vets perform cystotomies for various serious bladder issues, including:
- Bladder Stones (Uroliths): Mineral formations that cause pain or block urine flow.
- Tumors: Growths within the bladder wall.
- Urinary Blockages: Obstructions from stones, blood clots, or mucus, especially dangerous in male cats.
What Happens During Surgery
- Anesthesia & Prep: The pet receives general anesthesia.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision through the abdominal wall and into the bladder.
- Stone/Tumor Removal: Stones, tumors, or clots are removed, and the bladder is inspected.
- Culture & Analysis: Bladder tissue and stones are often sent for culture and analysis to guide future diet/medication.
- Closure: The bladder is carefully closed and the abdomen is sutured.
Recovery & Post-Op Care
- Activity Restriction: No running, jumping, or strenuous play for 1-2 weeks
- Frequent Urination: Expect more frequent trips outside and some urine leakage.
- Blood in Urine: Blood-tinged urine is common for days to weeks.
- Incision Care: Monitor for severe redness, discharge, or swelling; mild swelling is normal.
- Emergency Signs: Straining to urinate or inability to produce urine is an emergency.
Vulvoplasty/Episioplasty
A pet vulvoplasty (episioplasty) is a common corrective surgery for female dogs with a recessed vulva, removing excess skin folds that trap moisture, leading to chronic irritation, yeast/bacterial infections, and recurrent UTIs, improving hygiene and comfort, with excellent success rates and generally straightforward recovery. The procedure involves removing tissue above the vulva, though it’s crucial to address any existing infections first.
What it is and Why it’s done
- Condition: A recessed vulva means the vulva is partially hidden by skin folds, common in medium to large breeds, especially if overweight.
- Problems: Trapped moisture causes inflammation (dermatitis), odors, and infections (yeast, bacterial), leading to licking, scooting, and frequent UTIs.
- Surgery: A veterinarian removes a crescent of skin and fat, exposing the vulva for better ventilation and drying, preventing moisture buildup.
What to expect
- During Surgery: General anesthesia, pain management (epidurals), and removal of skin/fat.
- Recovery: Typically 10-14 days, requiring an E-collar to prevent licking, limited activity, and keeping the area clean and dry.
- Medication: Pain meds (never human meds like Tylenol/Advil), antibiotics, possibly anti-inflammatory meds.
Success & Prognosis
- Effective: It significantly reduces infections, irritation, and UTIs, though some incontinence might persist if it has other causes.
- Ideal for: Dogs with chronic issues from recessed vulvas, offering long-term relief and comfort.
Urinary Blockage
A pet urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care, treated by stabilizing the pet, sedating them to place a urinary catheter to relieve the obstruction, and providing supportive care like IV fluids and pain relief. After initial relief, vets diagnose the cause (stones, inflammation) and may perform surgery or adjust diet/medication for long-term management, focusing on increasing water intake and stress reduction.
Emergency Treatment Steps
- Stabilization: IV fluids and pain meds to address dehydration and pain.
- Catheterization: A urinary catheter is inserted under sedation to flush the blockage and allow urine to drain.
- Hospitalization: Continued fluids, anti-spasmodics, and monitoring for re-obstruction.
- Diagnostics: X-rays, blood work, and urine tests to find the cause (stones, crystals, infection).
Causes & Long-Term Management
- Causes: Stress (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis), mineral crystals forming plugs, stones, or infections.
- Diet: Special prescription diets help prevent crystal formation.
- Hydration: Increasing water intake (e.g., wet food, fountains) is crucial.
- Stress Reduction: Environmental enrichment is vital for cats prone to blockages.
- Surgery (Cystotomy/Perineal Urethrostomy): May be needed for large stones or severe cases (male cats).
What to Do If You Suspect a Blockage
- Act Immediately: This is a true emergency; don’t wait.
- Symptoms: Straining to urinate, frequent litter box trips with little to no urine, vocalizing in pain, licking genitals, lethargy, vomiting.
**Please note, we do not offer hospitalization here.** We recommend hospitalization at a 24 hour facility after the procedure. For those who can not afford that, we offer support for home post-procedure care.
