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Cystotomy in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 03/31/2017Updated: 08/19/2021
What is Cystotomy?
Cystotomy is a surgical procedure used in cats to treat bladder stones. Although it is sometimes used for exploratory purposes, cystostomy is more invasive than other exploratory measures, including cystoscopy and ultrasound. Cystotomy is typically recommended to remove obstructions within the bladder, such as tumors, stones, and clots, which cannot be treated conservatively. This procedure may also be used to collect tissue samples for biopsy.
Cystotomy Procedure in Cats
The approach and procedure steps may vary according to the expertise of the surgeon as well as the underlying condition.
- Prior to surgery, the veterinarian or surgeon will run tests to ensure it is safe for the cat to undergo anesthesia.
- The cat will be anesthetized. An oxygen tube will also be placed to administer gas anesthesia intraoperatively.
- The abdomen will be shaved, cleaned, clipped, and draped.
- Using a scalpel, the surgeon will incise the skin and abdominal muscle in order to access the abdominal cavity.
- The surgeon will use sterile sponges to pack and isolate the bladder.
- If urine is present in the bladder, it will be removed to avoid contamination.
- The surgeon will remove obstructions such as bladder stones, clots, or tumors.
- If the procedure is exploratory, the surgeon will explore the bladder and urinary organs during this time to identify the underlying condition. They may choose to take tissue samples.
- The surgeon may choose to place a catheter.
- The abdominal cavity will be lavaged, or flushed, with a sterile saline solution prior to incision closure.
- If cystotomy was used to remove stones or obstructions, an x-ray will be taken after surgery to ensure all obstructions have been removed.
- The cat will be hospitalized for up to three days.
- The catheter is generally removed between 24 and 72 hours after surgery.
Efficacy of Cystotomy in Cats
The efficacy of the procedure will vary based on the underlying condition. Cystotomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure which presents few complications. Most cats make a full recovery within two weeks following surgery. However, the prognosis will vary based on the underlying condition as well as the efficacy of additional treatment methods.
Cystotomy Recovery in Cats
The vet will prescribe the cat pain medication to manage postoperative pain. An Elizabethan collar may be required so that the cat does not irritate the surgery site. Owners should prevent their cat from engaging in activity for up to two weeks following surgery to prevent wound rupture. They should also check the incision site daily to ensure no drainage, bleeding, or swelling has occurred. Surgeons typically use absorbable sutures for cystotomy. If non-absorbable sutures are used, the surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment for ten to fourteen days after surgery to remove them.
The cat’s urine should be monitored throughout the recovery period. Small amounts of blood in the urine are normal for the first few days after surgery. However, if the cat is having difficulty urinating, or if the bloody urine lasts for more than three days after surgery, owners should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Cost of Cystotomy in Cats
The cost of cystotomy may vary based on standards of living and additional costs incurred. The national average cost of cystotomy, not including preoperative testing or postoperative medications, is $300.
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Cat Cystotomy Considerations
There are few risks associated with cystotomy, since it is a relatively simple procedure. However, complications are possible with any surgical procedure. Complications of cystotomy, although rare, may include:
- Remaining stones or obstructions
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic
- Difficulty urinating
- Recurrence of the condition
- Wound rupture
- Leakage of urine
- Hemorrhage
- Infection
- Anesthetic death
Unfortunately, there is a chance that the surgeon will not remove all the stones or obstructions. This may happen for many reasons, which is why the postoperative x-ray is imperative for ensuring all obstructions have been removed.
Cystotomy Prevention in Cats
Bladder stones may be caused by a cat’s diet. Dietary changes are recommended for certain cases of bladder stones, since an improper diet can cause bladder stones. Owners should follow their veterinarian’s dietary guidelines carefully. Other conditions, such as cancer and congenital defects, cannot be prevented. Cats with congenital defects treated by cystotomy should not be bred.
Cystotomy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
short hair
Em
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
No Appetite
Hiding
Little Urination
My cat had cystotomy surgery 2 days ago. Her first night home, we were told to seclude her from our other cat. We have, and she is hiding in the bathroom all day. She has not eaten in 24 hours. She pees little bits in the litter box. Drools after being given pain meds, which is both sad and slightly funny.
Do we have to worry about her avoidance of food? Will that get better? (She had 6 bladder stones removed in total, after 2 months and 4 visits to the vet, they FINALLY got an ultrasound.)
June 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I am concerned that Em hasn't eaten after her surgery, yes. At this point, she should be starting to feel normal again and get back to her regular activities. It would be a good idea to have a recheck for her, to make sure that everything is okay and see if she needs an appetite stimulant or other treatment. In the meantime, you can also try feeding her boiled chicken or fish, as that may stimulate her appetite and get her eating again.
June 3, 2018
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Manx
Chester
6 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
My cat was leaking bloody urine. The vet did blood work and urinalysis. His kidney functions were very abnormal. I did an ultrasound for his kidneys and bladder. It showed that he has thickened bladder walls, bladder stones, kidney stones and mild hydro nephrosis. The vet wants to do bladder surgery. What should I do?
May 7, 2018
0 Recommendations
The decision to go through the surgery or not but this should be done together with your Veterinarian, the bladder thickening would be down to inflammation from the stones and infection; however it would be wise to forward with the surgery if your Veterinarian determines that is the best course of action. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 8, 2018
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Mix
Kiko
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
My cat had a bladder stone removed 2 weeks ago. Yesterday she peed out of the litter box, went to see the vet. Urinalysis came back with no crystals or blood. Tonight I got home and she peed out of the box again but there are traces of blood.
April 28, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Kiki has a bladder infection, that can cause discomfort and traces of blood. WIthout the rest of the results of the lab work, I'm not sure what else was going on with her, but if you are not sure, it would be best to ask your veterinarian why she is having these problems, as they know more about her situation. I hope that she is okay.
April 28, 2018
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mixed
Miko
8 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood
Not Eating
Vomit
My cat just had surgery two days ago, she was picked up yesterday after a removing of a bladder stone, which had the pointy edges. Today I came home from work and there was a lot of vomit all over, then she vomited again and it had a red tint to it. She will not eat any treats or tuna, which she normally would love. Normal vets close to me are closed and the closest emergency vet is a 40 min drive, mostly highway, but there is a snow storm on the way. Do I need to try to get her in ASAP? What should I do?
She had blood in her urine as soon as she got home, but I was told that is normal right after.
Feb. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without examining Miko or having more details, I'm not sure if she needs to be seen tonight. If she is relatively bright and acting normally, you may be able to wait until your regular veterinarian is open. If she is lethargic, and vomiting blood, and not eating, she really should be rechecked. Your veterinarian may have an after hours number for emergency contact, so that you don't have to drive the 40 minutes to the ER vet. I hope that everything goes well for her.
Feb. 10, 2018
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N/a
Murphy
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Troubles Urinating
My cat just had Cystotomy Surgery on Monday. He eating, drinking, and playing just fine. However, he is constantly squatting in the litter box. I thought at first it might just be a slight reaction from the catheter.. but now I’m not so certain. He will sit in there for multiple minutes trying so hard to go but nothing comes out. However, he’s still urinating because I’ve been cleaning the box each night.
Additionally, we have had 3 accidents of him peeing outside the box since his surgery. The first time was the day he came home and I figured he was probably a little out of it.. but then it happened twice last night. Also, when he goes outside the litter box it’s always on me!! Usually when I’m covered up in a blanket!! It’s so frustrating!
Any thoughts??
Jan. 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Depending on the degree of irritation to his urinary tract, it may take a few days for Murphy to be back to normal, and he needs patience while that is happening - this is not his fault. If he did have an indwelling urinary catheter, those can be very irritating for a few days afterwards. Without knowing more about his medical treatment and surgery, I can't comment for sure, and it would be best to call his veterinarian in the morning to see if this is expected, or worrisome behavior. I hope that everything goes well for him!
Jan. 12, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Diamond
8 Years
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It’s Wednesday and Diamond had her surgery on Monday she is urinating but it’s small amounts with light colored blood in it. She has only started to shown signs of it being hurting. Is this normal ?
