Is surgery appropriate for my dog

8 years old Lhasa Apso has systemic Valley Fever also known as Coccidioidomycosis a fungus in the Western United States.  Usually attacks the lungs but not in this case.  Has been off treatment for a month to test if better. Test not done yet.  He also has been dx with kidney and bladder stones and is on Royal Canin which does not thrill him.  He is on Penicillin twice a day.  It appears they are the worst kind of stones and cannot be dissolved.  Surgery will be needed to remove stones in about 3 years.  Means opening bladder - major surgery - He will be 11 years then.

Question:-  Should I put him through this traumatic surgery at this age ?

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Hi Tayn505,

If your dog has lower urinary tract clinical signs (straining, blood, repeated inflammation or infection, pain) attributable to bladder stones that cannot be otherwise medically dissolved with diet or medication and the bladder stones are amenable to removal, then it is reasonable to do so. While it is a surgery, it is commonly performed and can have a high success rate in alleviating lower urinary tract signs. An experienced veterinarian will take steps to ensure all stones present are removed. These steps include backflushing the urethra and a careful exploration of the bladder lining for hidden stones. Kidney stones are typically left alone, unless they are a cause of obstruction or repeated kidney infection. Usually they would be addressed by breaking them up with specialized equipment usually found at a university. Fortunately they are usually clinically silent.

Personally, I'd be more worried about the coccidiodomycosis. I assume that is under control at this time. You need good lung function for general anesthesia.

In sum, bladder surgery is generally straightforward for those who have experience doing it.


Good luck and let us know how things go.

Dr G