Cystostomy Tube Placement in Dogs

If a dog's urinary tract becomes obstructed, surgical intervention is often required. To eliminate liquid waste before any damage occurs to the organs, a cystostomy tube can be placed from the bladder out through the abdomen. This tube allows urine to leave the body effectively without using the urinary tract. 

A cystostomy tube must be placed surgically. The procedure is not overly complicated and is performed by most veterinary surgeons. No specialized equipment is needed to insert the tube. Cystostomy tubes allow the body to function normally until a more permanent solution can be made. 

If a urinary tract obstruction is suspected, x-rays or ultrasound imaging will be needed to locate the affected area. Once a blockage has been confirmed, the surgery can be planned. There are multiple tube choices but Foley catheters have the highest success rates. Blood work may be run if the situation allows it. Urinary blockages are often emergencies, and as such immediate action must be taken to safe the dog's life. 

The dog will need to fast for several hours before the surgery commences. A sedative will be given to the dog, and then an IV will be inserted. General anesthesia will be administered at this point. To prevent infection and ease the process, the abdomen will be shaved and cleaned. The area of entry will be marked on the skin, and then an incision can be made. Once the abdominal cavity has been opened, the bladder may be incised. The tube will be placed in the bladder and secured using sutures. Saline will be pumped through to identify any leaks. If no leaks exist, the bladder and then the abdomen can be sutured shut.

Cystostomy tubes are temporary to semi-permanent solutions for addressing bladder obstructions. In some instances, they are only used for a period of days, but they can be left in for several months if needed. Most cases where a cystostomy tube has been used will involve further surgery on the dog to permanent repair or redirect urinary tract damage. 

In dogs who can not undergo further surgery, a cystostomy tube can be used as part of a palliative care treatment plan. Because underlying causes of urinary tract obstruction are often very serious, many dogs do not survive more than 10 days with a cystostomy tube. If the primary health issue is treatable, full recovery is possible.

The dog will need to be closely monitored as it wakes up from the operation. The port where the tube exits the body will need to be kept clean until scar tissue has formed around it. Bandages, antibiotic ointment, and petroleum jelly may be used on the surgical wound. The dog's activity will have to be kept low for the whole time that it has the cystostomy tube. 

Some dogs require an Elizabethan collar while the tube is in place to prevent them from biting or pulling their tube. The bladder will have to be expressed up to four times a day by the owner. Any signs of infection including pain, fever, or swelling should be reported to the veterinarian immediately. More surgery may be needed to address the underlying health problem.

Placement of a cystostomy tube can cost anywhere from $400 to $4,500. Emergency surgery can add up quickly and may be paired with other procedures. Diagnostic imaging and blood work both can increase the overall cost. In addition to this, prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics will be required after surgery. As a cystostomy tube is not a permanent treatment, further surgery is generally needed. This can increase the total price by double or more. 

Complications with general anesthesia are possible, especially for dogs experiencing shock or other health issues. If the tube is not secured well enough, urine may leak out from the bladder into the abdomen. This can lead to severe internal infection. Infection may develop up the urinary tract but this is often treatable. The owner must consider if it is realistic to maintain the dog after a cystostomy tube has been placed, as the bladder will have to be manually expressed multiple times a day.

Preventing the need for a cystostomy tube means preventing a urinary tract obstruction from developing in the first place. Blunt force trauma may be prevented by the use of a leash when taking your dog on walks. Ensure that your yard does not have openings that your dog can escape from. Urinary tract stones can often be prevented by selecting an appropriate diet for your dog. High quality foods that are low on carbohydrates are good choices to stop stones from forming in the body.

It may be hard to prevent cancer from developing in your dog, as it can be genetic. Always inquire about your dog's family health history when obtaining the animal. Keep your dog away from known cancer-causing agents such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust. Inflammation can also be difficult to prevent, but certain triggers in your dog's food may be the culprit. Select a species appropriate diet for your dog, and take it in for examination at the signs of any digestive distress.