Cystotomy

Cystotomy in Jackson, MI

Welcome to Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic, where Dr. Miller and our team perform cystotomy surgery for dogs and cats in Jackson, MI. We remove bladder stones and help you take steps to keep new ones from forming.

Understanding Cystotomy

A cystotomy is a surgery to open the bladder. It is most often done to remove bladder stones, and sometimes to remove a growth or take a sample from the bladder wall.

Bladder stones irritate the bladder and can block the flow of urine. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists blood in the urine, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts often, belly discomfort and urinary accidents as signs. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons

What to Expect During Cystotomy

From the first exam to the last recheck, we keep you informed about every step of your pet’s care.

Exam and Diagnostics

Dr. Miller examines your pet and may recommend a urine test, X-rays or other imaging to confirm bladder stones and plan surgery.

Anesthesia Planning

Before surgery, we make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and choose a plan that fits their age and health.

Removing the Stones

During surgery the stones are removed, and they are often sent to a lab to find out what they are made of. That helps us recommend a diet or other steps to keep new stones from forming.

Recovery and Recheck

Your pet will go home with pain medication and instructions, and we will schedule a recheck. It’s normal to see a little blood in the urine for a few days.

Why Cystotomy is Important for Your Pet

Bladder stones are uncomfortable, and some can become dangerous. Removing them brings relief and gives us the information we need to help prevent the next ones.

Relief From Discomfort

Removing the stones ends the straining, frequent trips and irritation that make pets miserable.

Preventing a Blockage

If your pet is straining to urinate and little or no urine comes out, a stone may be blocking the urethra. The ACVS notes this needs immediate emergency treatment. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Answers That Guide Prevention

Stones are made of different minerals, and knowing the type helps Dr. Miller choose the right diet and steps to help prevent new ones. Source: American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Signs Your Pet May Need a Cystotomy

Watch for these signs of bladder trouble in your dog or cat:

• Straining to urinate or passing only small amounts
• Urinating often or having accidents
• Blood in the urine
• Licking around the urinary opening
• Belly discomfort

A pet that cannot pass urine at all needs to be seen right away, so call us at (517) 750-3838. We’re not an emergency clinic, but we try to fit urgent cases in the same day whenever we can. If we’re closed, please contact the nearest emergency hospital.

Can Bladder Stones Come Back?

They can. A cystotomy is done only when stones or another bladder problem call for it, but follow-up care matters. Following the diet and recheck plan Dr. Miller recommends, and helping your pet drink more water, can lower the chance of new stones.

Practice Highlights

Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic offers careful surgical care close to home. Here’s what you can expect:

• Proactive medicine focused on preventing new stones
• Fear Free certified veterinarian, Dr. Laura Miller
• Clear communication and client education at every step
• Treatment plans made with you, with cost in mind
• Care kept local, with specialist referrals only when truly needed
• ADA-accessible facility with convenient parking
• Serving Jackson and surrounding communities