My dog had a difficult cystocentesis. Are side effects common?

There is a very large hematoma under the skin, it's hard to know exactly where the bleeding comes from (probably from the layer between the skin and muscles), i would definitely recommend contacting your vet about this just to be on the safe side as i do not have her full medical history to give you a definitive advise regarding this issue.

Surprising, most dogs and cats do not react when the needle is inserted. The pets are typically rolled on their backs and pressure is applied to the bladder to isolate it. I think the pets are focusing more on this than the needle. The bladder should be located just under the skin (just like a vein in your arm). It is expected to be quick for most pets (30 seconds or less). The bigger the bladder, the easier it is. My clinic opens at 7 am so I will have clients waiting for me at 7 am and will not have let their pets go to the bathroom since the night before. This makes things easy and fast in general. Talk with your vet about your options.

That bruising is not unusual following a cystotomy. Bruising can change over time and should start to dissipate soon. As long as she's feeling as well as can be expected post surgery and keeping quiet there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

For a urinalysis, we usually draw urine directly from the bladder by inserting a needle through the abdomen. It's difficult to see exactly where this bruising is, but it appears to be where the needle would have been inserted and is likely the reason for the bruising. The needle can cause some damage and leaking of local blood vessels, which will give this bruise appearance. If Wolfgang is otherwise acting normal, then I would not be concerned about this. If Wolfgang seems to be acting sick, or the bruising appears to be getting larger, then I would be more concerned and recommend a visit to the emergency vet. I hope that helps and Wolfgang gets better soon.

I would get her back in to see your vet as soon as possible. Some bleeding is normal after a cystotomy, but this does sound concerning. If she is not making any progress in other ways, such as having a good appetite, feeling like moving around, if she is vomiting or has diarrhea, I would get her seen right away. If she seems to be recovering well otherwise, aside from the blood, then getting her rechecked isn't quite so urgent.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Generally, surgery in small and young patients can be safe if done properly. I think you could consider perhaps evaluation by a board certified surgeon in your area as they generally have an experienced team able to perform more complicated procedures in more delicate patients. Good luck with your precious pup!

Poor Wookie! To obtain a sample directly from the bladder a long fine needle is typically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the bladder. Another method of collection which is used less commonly is passing a catheter up the urethra and into the bladder. It certainly is possible that the sampling process caused some irritation to Wookie's bladder. I anticipate that this will pass fairly quickly. If Wookie has a urinary tract infection this would exacerbate the irritation. If you feel that Wookie is continuing to act strangely and not wanting to walk I would call your vet, they may want to see Wookie back to check everything is ok.