Veterinary Procedures Explained: Cystoscopy/Urethroscopy

What is cystoscopy/urethroscopy?

Cystoscopy/urethroscopy is the use of a special scope, via the urethra, to visually inspect the inner surface of the urethra and bladder. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In some cases, when necessary, biopsies can be taken of the inside of the bladder or urethra.

Why is a cystoscopy/urethroscopy performed?

Veterinarians perform these procedures to supplement other modalities such as x-rays, ultrasound, and labwork to help reach a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan when your pet is experiencing urinary tract problems. Symptoms of urinary tract disease include blood in the urine, urine leakage, and/or frequent urination. In some cases, inspection of the urinary tract will reveal stones (similar to kidney stones in humans) that may or may not show up on x-rays. The location of these stones and their numbers will play a key role in your pet’s treatment plan.

Why might a cystoscopy/urethroscopy be an advantage over an open approach?

Urethroscopy is valuable because in male dogs, most of the urethra cannot be visualized without the use of scopes. Most pets recover faster and have less pain from cystoscopies/urethroscopies than an open conventional approach because there is no surgical incision.