Urinary problems can affect pets in many different ways, from bladder stones and recurring obstruction to urinary incontinence. Some conditions can be managed with medication or non-surgical treatments, while others may require specialist surgery.
Our specialist provides urinary surgery for dogs and cats with complex conditions affecting the bladder, urethra and ureters, investigating the underlying cause of your pet’s condition and developing a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Common urinary problems in dogs and cats
Urinary conditions can cause noticeable changes in the way your pet urinates, but the underlying causes can vary considerably. A thorough veterinary assessment can help determine what is happening and whether specialist treatment is needed.
Bladder stones and urinary obstruction
Bladder stones can develop when minerals in the urine form crystals and stones within the urinary tract. Depending on their size, location and composition, they may cause irritation, discomfort or an obstruction.
When bladder stones cannot be managed appropriately through other treatments, a cystotomy may be recommended to remove them from the bladder. Cystotomies are performed in both dogs and cats.
Some urinary obstructions require more specialised treatment. Cats, in particular, can develop urethral obstructions that prevent them from passing urine and may require procedures such as a perineal urethrostomy.
Other conditions, including ureteral obstruction, may require specialist procedures such as a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB).
Difficulty urinating, straining and blood in the urine
Changes in your pet’s urination can be an important sign that something is wrong. You may notice your dog or cat:
- Straining or taking longer to urinate
- Attempting to urinate without producing much urine
- Urinating more frequently
- Showing discomfort when urinating
- Having blood in their urine
- Going to the toilet in unusual places
If your cat cannot pass urine, is repeatedly straining or is showing signs of distress, seek veterinary attention promptly. The same applies if your dog is struggling or cannot urinate.
Blood in the urine can have many causes, from urinary tract inflammation or infection to stones and other urinary conditions. Your veterinarian can assess your pet and determine whether further investigation is needed.
Urinary incontinence and ectopic ureters
Urinary incontinence can be frustrating for both pets and their families. You may notice your dog leaking urine while sleeping, resting or walking, even when they are otherwise toilet trained.
There are several possible causes of urinary incontinence. One is an ectopic ureter, a congenital condition where a ureter does not connect to the bladder in the usual way. This can cause urine to leak continuously and is often identified in younger dogs.
For some dogs, ectopic ureter surgery can provide a long-term solution. Specialist assessment and imaging can help determine whether surgery is appropriate and which treatment approach is most suitable.
Diagnosing urinary conditions with advanced imaging
Understanding exactly where a urinary problem is occurring is an important part of planning treatment. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and suspected condition, our specialist may use advanced imaging to examine the urinary tract and guide treatment decisions.
Ultrasound for the urinary tract
Ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive way for our team to take a closer look at your pet’s urinary tract. It can provide detailed images of the kidneys, bladder and surrounding structures, helping us understand what may be causing your pet’s symptoms.
It can be particularly useful when we’re investigating concerns such as bladder stones, changes to the urinary tract or other abnormalities. The type of imaging we recommend will depend on your pet’s symptoms and what we need to learn about their condition.
X-rays and contrast radiography
X-rays can give our specialists a helpful view of your pet’s urinary tract and may help identify certain types of bladder stones or other abnormalities.
Sometimes, we may recommend a contrast radiography study, where contrast material is used to make particular parts of the urinary tract easier to see. This can give our team a clearer picture of what’s happening and help guide decisions about your pet’s treatment.
Imaging to locate obstruction and assess urinary anatomy
When a urinary obstruction is suspected, getting a clear picture of where the problem is and how it is affecting your pet is an important part of planning their care.
Depending on your pet’s condition, our specialists may use ultrasound, X-rays, contrast studies or fluoroscopy to examine the urinary tract in more detail. We’ll choose the most appropriate imaging approach based on your pet’s individual needs.
Urinary surgery for pets
When a urinary condition requires surgery, our specialist will first assess your pet’s individual circumstances and explain the recommended treatment options.
Our aim is to address the underlying problem while providing the safest and most effective care possible for your pet.
Cystotomy for bladder stone removal
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure used to open the bladder and remove bladder stones. For some dogs and cats, surgery may be the best way to safely remove stones that are causing discomfort, irritation or other urinary problems.
Before surgery, diagnostic imaging can help our specialists understand the number, size and location of the stones and plan the procedure carefully. Your veterinarian will talk you through the recommended treatment and explain what to expect as your pet recovers.
Urethrostomy for recurrent or difficult urinary obstruction
If your pet has experienced recurrent or difficult-to-manage urethral obstruction, a urethrostomy may be recommended to help reduce the risk of further blockages.
A perineal urethrostomy is most commonly performed in cats. The procedure creates a new, wider opening for urine to pass through and may be considered for cats with recurring obstruction or other conditions affecting the urethra.
A urethrostomy can also be considered for selected dogs, depending on the underlying condition. Our specialist will assess your pet’s individual circumstances before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Subcutaneous ureteral bypass for ureteric obstruction
A subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) is a specialised system that can help urine flow when a ureter is obstructed.
The ureters normally carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. When one becomes blocked, urine cannot pass normally, which can affect kidney function and may require specialist treatment. A SUB device creates an alternative pathway for urine to bypass the affected ureter and reach the bladder.
Our specialist can assess whether a SUB procedure is appropriate based on your pet’s condition, imaging findings and overall health, and will explain what the procedure and ongoing care involve.
Surgical repair of ectopic ureters
An ectopic ureter is a congenital condition where a ureter enters the urinary tract in an abnormal location. In dogs, this can prevent urine from being stored normally in the bladder and may result in ongoing urine leakage from a young age.
If an ectopic ureter is identified and surgery is appropriate, specialist treatment can help improve your dog’s urinary control. Advanced imaging can help our team understand your pet’s individual urinary anatomy and plan the most appropriate surgical approach.
We’ll explain the findings with you and discuss what treatment may mean for your pet, including their expected recovery and longer-term outlook.
When does a pet need specialist urinary surgery?
Not every urinary problem requires surgery. Many conditions can be managed with medication, dietary changes or other non-surgical treatments.
Specialist urinary surgery may be recommended when a condition is complex, recurrent, causing an obstruction or cannot be adequately managed through other treatments. Your veterinarian may recommend referral when advanced imaging or specialist expertise is needed to determine the best treatment option.
Signs that require prompt veterinary assessment
Some urinary symptoms should never be ignored. If your cat or dog cannot pass urine, is repeatedly straining, or appears distressed, please seek veterinary care immediately. A urinary obstruction can become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.
Other warning signs include:
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent attempts to urinate
- Changes in urinary habits
- Persistent urine leakage
- Signs of pain or discomfort when urinating
Blood in your dog’s or cat’s urine can have many possible causes, so a veterinary assessment is important to determine what is happening.
When referral to a specialist may be recommended
Your veterinarian may recommend a referral when your pet has a complex or recurring urinary condition, particularly when surgery or advanced imaging may be required.
This may include conditions such as ureteral obstruction, recurrent urinary obstruction, bladder stones that require removal or ectopic ureters. Specialist assessment can help determine whether urinary surgery is appropriate and which approach is likely to provide the best outcome for your pet.
Referrals for urinary surgery
We welcome referrals from veterinarians for dogs and cats requiring specialist assessment or urinary surgery, and work collaboratively, keeping you informed about our findings and treatment recommendations throughout your patient’s care.
Advanced imaging to support diagnosis and surgical planning
Access to advanced imaging allows our team to investigate urinary conditions in greater detail and make informed treatment decisions.
Depending on the patient, this may include veterinary ultrasound, radiography, contrast studies or fluoroscopy. Imaging is selected according to the clinical question and can be particularly valuable when locating an obstruction or understanding complex urinary anatomy before surgery.
To refer your patient for specialist urinary surgery, fill in our online form here.
FAQs
If your dog or cat is unable to urinate, seek veterinary attention immediately. A urinary obstruction can become serious very quickly and may require urgent treatment. Don’t wait to see if the problem resolves on its own.
Difficulty urinating should always be assessed by a veterinarian. Repeated straining, producing little or no urine, or signs of pain or distress may indicate a urinary obstruction and require prompt treatment.
Blood in the urine can have several causes, including bladder stones, urinary tract inflammation or infection, trauma and other conditions affecting the urinary tract. A veterinary assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Not all bladder stones require surgery. Depending on the type of stone, your veterinarian may recommend other treatments. Surgery may be needed when stones are causing significant symptoms, cannot be managed through other treatment, or are at risk of causing a urinary obstruction.
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure where the bladder is opened to remove stones. Before surgery, imaging can help identify the number, size and location of the stones so the procedure can be carefully planned. Your specialist will explain what the surgery involves and what to expect during recovery.
A urethrostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new, wider opening for urine to pass through. It may be recommended for pets with recurrent urinary obstruction or certain conditions affecting the urethra. Perineal urethrostomy is most commonly performed in cats.
A subcutaneous ureteral bypass, or SUB, is a specialised device used to help restore urine flow when a ureter is obstructed. The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, and a SUB creates an alternative pathway around the blockage. Your specialist can determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your cat’s individual condition.
An ectopic ureter is a congenital condition where a ureter enters the urinary tract in an abnormal location. This can cause ongoing urine leakage or urinary incontinence, often from a young age. Advanced imaging can help diagnose the condition, and surgery may help improve urinary control.
Diagnosis usually begins with a veterinary examination and may include blood and urine testing. Depending on the suspected cause and location of the obstruction, imaging such as ultrasound, X-rays, contrast radiography or fluoroscopy may also be used to get a clearer picture of the urinary tract.
Advanced imaging can provide more detailed information when a urinary condition is complex or the underlying cause is unclear. It can help identify the location of an obstruction, assess urinary anatomy and support planning for specialist treatment or surgery. The type of imaging recommended will depend on your pet’s individual condition and what your veterinary team needs to investigate.