Laser Bladder Stone Removal in Scottsdale, AZ
Laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove stones from your pet’s bladder, urethra, and ureters without surgical incisions. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists use a cystoscope to locate stones and a precision laser to break them into tiny fragments that are then retrieved or flushed out, sparing many dogs and cats from open abdominal surgery.
Why Choose Laser Lithotripsy?
Traditionally, bladder stones that could not be dissolved with diet required a cystotomy, an open surgery through the abdomen and bladder wall. Laser lithotripsy offers an alternative for appropriate candidates, with no abdominal incision, less post-operative pain, a shorter recovery, and often a same-day or next-day discharge. It also allows our specialists to directly confirm that all stone material has been removed.
Stones can cause painful urination, bloody urine, recurrent infections, and dangerous urethral blockages. Pets showing these signs are first evaluated by our internal medicine team with urinalysis, urine culture, radiographs, and ultrasound to determine stone size, number, and location.
Locating the Stones
Under general anesthesia, a lighted instrument with a camera, called a cystoscope, is passed through the urethra into the bladder. Our specialist examines the bladder lining and urethra, locates every stone, and checks for other problems such as polyps, inflammation, or anatomic abnormalities like ectopic ureters.
Breaking Stones Apart With a Laser
A thin laser fiber is advanced through the scope and applied directly to each stone. Pulses of laser energy break the stone into many small pieces without harming the surrounding tissue. The process continues until all fragments are small enough to be safely removed through the urethra.
Removing Every Fragment
Once small enough, fragments are captured with a tiny basket or flushed out through the urethra using sterile saline. General anesthesia is important to ensure complete removal of all stones. Retrieved stones are sent to a laboratory for analysis, which tells us the mineral type and guides a prevention plan to reduce the chance of new stones forming.
See Laser Lithotripsy in Action
This video shows the view through the cystoscope as the laser is applied to a stone inside the bladder. Because the camera provides a magnified, real-time image, our specialist can guide the laser with precision and watch the stone break apart piece by piece.
Treating Multiple Stones
Many pets have more than one stone. In this video, multiple stones are located and treated during a single procedure. Our team systematically works through each stone, ensuring none are left behind that could lead to recurrence or a future blockage.
Basket Retrieval of Fragments
After fragmentation, small pieces are captured with a wire basket passed through the scope. This video shows fragments being collected and withdrawn through the urethra, a gentle process that avoids any incision in the bladder or abdomen.
Urethral Stones
Stones that lodge in the urethra can cause a painful and dangerous obstruction. Laser lithotripsy can often break up urethral stones in place, relieving the blockage and avoiding urethral surgery. Pets with stones higher in the urinary tract may instead benefit from urinary stenting, as described on our ureteral obstruction page.
Confirming a Stone-Free Bladder
At the end of the procedure, our specialist performs a final inspection of the bladder and urethra to confirm all stone material has been removed. Post-procedure imaging may also be performed. This careful final check is one of the key advantages of a scope-guided approach.
Is My Pet a Candidate?
Not every patient with bladder stones is an appropriate candidate for laser lithotripsy, and careful selection is required. Stone size and number, your pet’s sex and size, and urethral diameter all play a role. Female dogs and larger male dogs are often good candidates, while very large or numerous stones may be better treated with surgery by our surgical team, as outlined on our abdominal surgical conditions page.
Recovery and Prevention
Most pets go home the same day or the following morning. Mild straining or blood-tinged urine for a few days is normal. Based on the stone analysis, our team will recommend a prevention plan that may include a therapeutic diet, increased water intake, and periodic urine testing. Learn more on our nutrition page, explore all veterinary services, or review payment options.
Laser Bladder Stone Removal FAQs
Is laser bladder stone removal surgery?
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the urethra with a cystoscope and laser. No abdominal incision is needed.
Does my pet need anesthesia?
Yes. General anesthesia is required to keep your pet comfortable and ensure complete removal of all stones.
How long does recovery take?
Most pets go home the same day or the next morning and return to normal activity within a few days.
Is blood in the urine normal afterward?
Mild blood-tinged urine and straining for a few days are normal and usually resolve on their own.
Can all bladder stones be removed with a laser?
No. Very large or numerous stones, or very small male patients, may be better treated with surgery.
Why are the stones sent to a lab?
Stone analysis identifies the mineral type, which guides diet and medication choices to prevent recurrence.
Can cats have laser lithotripsy?
Female cats can often be treated with laser lithotripsy. Male cats have a very narrow urethra and may require other options.
Remove Bladder Stones Without Major Surgery
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to find out if laser lithotripsy is right for your pet.