3 week post-op cystotomy in a cat


  • 12 year old mn cat had a cystotomy performed 3-4 weeks ago as the rDVM suspected stones based upon radiographs.  Upon opening the bladder, instead of stones, he found lots of calcium oxalate sand.
  • Since the surgery, the cat continues to have problems with stranguria, dysuria, and urinating outside the box.
  • Urine culture was positive for E. coli.  The cat was placed on a fluoroquinolone and buprenorphine but clinical signs persist. Urinalysis shows ongoing hematuria.
    • 12 year old mn cat had a cystotomy performed 3-4 weeks ago as the rDVM suspected stones based upon radiographs.  Upon opening the bladder, instead of stones, he found lots of calcium oxalate sand.
    • Since the surgery, the cat continues to have problems with stranguria, dysuria, and urinating outside the box.
    • Urine culture was positive for E. coli.  The cat was placed on a fluoroquinolone and buprenorphine but clinical signs persist. Urinalysis shows ongoing hematuria.
    • Bladder ultrasound shows a somewhat linear, echogenic density originating from the dorsal wall at the caudal end of the bladder.  To me, it looks like suture except that it is in the wrong place (suture would be ventral).  It is NOT gravity dependent and remains in the same location regardless of the cat’s position.  I don’t think it is an artifact because it shows up in multiple views.
    • I would have liked the cat’s bladder to have been more distended, but he urinates frequently.
    • Any other ideas as to what this may be?  Blood clot?  Adherent stone?


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