Cystoscopy

Diagnostic Precision Without the Incision

If your pet is struggling with chronic urinary tract infections, blood in their urine, or “accidents” in the house, standard tests don’t always tell the whole story.

Cystoscopy is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that allows us to look inside your pet’s bladder and urethra using high-definition fiber-optics.

Get to the Bottom of Your Pet’s Urinary Issues.

Has your pet’s urinary issue been a lifelong struggle, or is this a new problem that has developed recently?

Stop treating the symptoms and start treating the cause. Our internal medicine specialists are here to provide the clarity you and your pet deserve.

The Patient Journey

♦ Preparation: To ensure accuracy, your pet is placed under general anesthesia so the bladder can be gently distended with sterile fluid for a clear view.
♦ Visualization: We navigate the scope to check for inflammation, stones, or anatomical defects.
♦ Intervention: If we find a small stone or a polyp, we can often remove it using tiny instruments passed through the scope's "working channel."
♦ Going Home: Your pet typically goes home the same day. You may notice them urinating more frequently or seeing a small amount of spotting for the first 24 hours.

What to Expect

♦ No Incisions- We use the natural anatomy, meaning no stitches and no "cone of shame" for most pets.
♦ HD Imaging- Crystal clear views of the bladder wall, ureteral openings, and urethral lining.
♦ Fast Recovery- Most patients are back to their normal routine within 24 hours.
♦ Laser Capability- Can be paired with laser lithotripsy to break up bladder stones non-surgically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Veterinary Cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy involves passing a tiny camera (an endoscope) through the natural urinary opening. This allows our veterinary team to examine the lining of the urinary tract in real-time, providing answers that X-rays and ultrasounds often miss.

Why is a Cystoscopy Recommended?

♦ Chronic UTIs: Finding out why infections keep coming back.
♦ Hematuria: Investigating the source of blood in the urine.
♦ Urinary Incontinence: Checking for structural abnormalities like ectopic ureters.
♦ Bladder Stones: Locating and, in some cases, removing small stones without surgery.
♦ Biopsy Needs: Sampling tumors or masses without opening the abdomen.

Is cystoscopy better than an ultrasound?

While ultrasound is great for seeing the thickness of the bladder wall, cystoscopy allows us to see the texture and color of the lining and actually "look inside" the urethra an area that is very difficult to see clearly with ultrasound.

Can this procedure fix "leaking" (incontinence)?

In many cases, yes! If the incontinence is caused by an anatomical issue like an ectopic ureter, we can often use a laser through the cystoscope to correct the tissue and restore normal function without traditional surgery.

Are there any risks?

Cystoscopy is exceptionally safe. The primary risks are associated with general anesthesia, which we mitigate with tailored protocols and continuous monitoring. Some pets may experience mild, temporary discomfort during their first few bathroom breaks after the procedure.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Give us a call at 720-510-7707 Contact us today to learn if a cystoscopy is the right next step.