Bladder stone surgery (cystotomy) costs $1,500-$3,000 and is required for calcium oxalate stones, which cannot be dissolved with diet. The surgeon opens the bladder under anesthesia, removes all stones, and submits them for analysis to guide long-term prevention. Recovery takes 10-14 days. Without surgery, stones cause pain, bleeding, and urethral blockage risk in males.
Cystotomy is required for calcium oxalate stones (most common in older cats) — they cannot dissolve dietarily. Also needed when blocked or in pain, struvite stones fail to dissolve in 8-12 weeks, or multiple types are suspected. Small stones may flush non-surgically; most require cystotomy. Calcium oxalate stones always require surgery
Under anesthesia, the surgeon opens the bladder, removes all stones, and flushes crystals. The bladder and abdomen close in layers; a catheter may be placed temporarily. Stones are submitted for quantitative analysis ($50-$100) to determine composition and guide prevention. All stones are removed and analyzed to guide prevention
Pre-surgical diagnosis (X-ray, urinalysis, blood panel): $300-$600. Cystotomy + anesthesia: $1,500-$3,000. Stone analysis: $50-$100. Hospitalization (1-2 nights): $200-$400. Follow-up urinalysis: $100-$150. Total first year with prevention diet: $2,500-$4,500. Urohydropropulsion (small stones only): $300-$600.
Restrict activity 10-14 days; feed wet food initially. Sutures out at 10-14 days; X-ray or ultrasound at 4-6 weeks confirms complete removal. Long-term: prescription urinary diet ($60-$120/month), increased water intake, urine pH monitoring. Urinalysis every 6 months catches crystals before new stones form. Prevention diet + water intake critical to prevent recurrence
Diagnosis + surgery + hospitalization + stone analysis. Long-term prevention diet: $720-$1,440/year ongoing.
Cystotomy is a routine abdominal surgery with low complication rates. Pre-surgical blood panel identifies risks. Male cats with prior urethral obstruction or stricture have slightly higher complexity for anesthesia and catheterization.
Surgery: 45-90 minutes depending on stone number and complexity. Hospital stay: 1-2 nights for monitoring and pain control. Discharge next day in most cases.
Without prevention, ~7% of calcium oxalate cases recur within 3 years (Albasan 2009). With prescription diet + wet food + regular monitoring: recurrence drops significantly. No renal calculi are an important secondary prevention goal.
02/04
Diagnosis + cystotomy + hospitalization + stone analysis.
Bladder stone surgery is covered by most accident and illness policies as illness. Coverage includes pre-surgical diagnostics, cystotomy, hospitalization, stone analysis, and follow-up rechecks. At $2,000-$4,000 total, this claim provides real financial benefit.
Any documented history of FLUTD, urinary crystals, UTIs, or straining to urinate before enrollment may exclude all urinary tract conditions as pre-existing. Even one urinalysis showing crystals before enrollment grounds for denial.
Prescription prevention diet ($60-$120/month) is not covered by most standard pet insurance policies. This represents $720-$1,440/year in ongoing out-of-pocket costs. Some wellness plans cover prescription food. Ask specifically about food coverage when enrolling.
After first stone surgery, subsequent episodes may be classified as chronic recurring condition. Some policies cover recurrences with annual deductibles; others exclude all future urinary stone claims. Read your policy language carefully about chronic conditions.
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