Minimally Invasive Approach to Treat Bladder Stones in Cats and Dogs

Los Angeles, California, resident Joseph Bisignano is a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) and a graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. As the department head of internal medicine at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital in Los Angeles, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, specializes in various diseases and procedures, including urethral stenting and minimally-invasive stone removal in animals.

Bladder stones, or urinary calculi, are hardened mineral deposits in cats’ and dogs’ bladders or urinary tracts. These compounds can lead to blockages and become life-threatening if untreated. Symptoms of bladder stones include painful urination, urinating in unusual locations, blood in urine, and vomiting. Fortunately, bladder stones are easily treatable with procedures that remove the stones and clear the urethral path.

Percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) is a common minimally invasive surgical technique for treating bladder stones. In PCCL, a vet uses a sharp-pointed instrument called a trocar and canular to make a small abdominal cut and a tiny 6mm incision which serves as an entry point for a cystoscope. The cystoscope is a long-standing tube that contains a camera for locating bladder stones. The vet then uses another device, a lithotripter, to break up the stones with shock waves before removing them.

PCCL causes less pain and trauma to surrounding tissue than invasive surgical procedures like open cystotomy, as it only requires a small skin incision. Healing is also faster. A study on dogs and cats undergoing PCCL showed a high success rate and fewer minor complications, about 83 percent of subjects recovered within 24 hours of the operation.

Bladder Stones in Dogs

Based in Los Angeles, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, is a valedictorian graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences. He works as an internal medicine consultant with Alicam and as the department head of internal medicine for the Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital. During his career in veterinary medicine Joseph Bisignano, DVM, has performed various procedures, including bladder stone removal.

If a pet parent notices blood in their dog’s urine or any difficulties with urination, there is a chance the dog may be suffering from bladder stones. A bladder stone is a rock-like buildup of minerals in the bladder. Dogs may develop a single, large stone, many grain-sized stones, or some combination of the two.

While veterinarians are not entirely clear on what causes bladder stones in dogs, the well supported precipitation-crystallization theory maintains that several internal and external factors can boost crystalline compounds in the urine. This might be caused, for example, by a bacterial infection. As compounds increase, so do the odds of a stone forming in the bladder.

When it comes to surgical treatment for bladder stones, pet parents should discuss the benefits of minimally invasive stone removal as opposed to traditional surgery. The benefits of a minimally invasive procedure are manifold: quicker recovery, lower levels of pain, and best of all, a better success rate for both male and female dogs and cats.

The percutaneous cystolithotomy procedure is the most common minimally invasive surgical approach to bladder stone removal. If stones are found, individuals should discuss whether their pet is a candidate for this procedure with their veterinarian.

Cystoscopic Laser Ablation for Ectopic Ureters in Dogs

A resident of Los Angeles, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, is a veterinary internal medicine specialist who serves as the department head of internal medicine with Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital. Joseph Bisignano, DVM, also possesses extensive experience performing laser procedures to correct ectopic ureters in dogs.

Cystoscopic laser ablation is a minimally invasive therapeutic intervention for ectopic ureters in dogs. An ectopic ureter is a rare birth defect where the opening of the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder is not in the usual place. The main sign of an ectopic ureter is urinary incontinence that does not respond to medication. Ectopic ureters also increase a pet’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections.

Compared to traditional surgery for correcting ectopic ureters, cystoscopic laser ablation has fewer complications and a quicker recovery. During cystoscopic laser ablation, the veterinarian uses a special lens-containing tube called a cystoscope to check the bladder for an ectopic ureter. If this abnormality is present, the veterinarian uses a laser (a concentrated beam of light) to correct the abnormality.

Some dogs have ectopic ureters and malfunctioning urethral sphincters at the same time. The urethral sphincter is a muscular structure that enables voluntary urination when it works normally. Once cystoscopic laser ablation has corrected the ectopic ureter, medications can help remedy an incompetent urethral sphincter and completely resolve urinary incontinence.

Toxicity of Grapes and Raisins in Dogs

Joseph Bisignano, DVM, is a Southern California internal medicine specialist who holds a leadership role at the Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital. One of Joseph Bisignano, DVM’s areas of focus is canine health. He has in-depth knowledge of dietary habits that can be dangerous or fatal to dogs.

A common snack among humans, grapes and raisins have long been associated with toxicity and kidney failure in canines. Upon ingesting a few grapes, some dogs display only mild symptoms, which can include vomiting, increased thirst, and diarrhea. But others experience acute renal failure.

In 2021, researchers at the ASPCA Poison Control Center published findings pinpointing tartaric acid as the culprit in this. This discovery came from an isolated case of poisoning related to homemade playdough that turned out to have been made with a unique recipe containing cream of tartar. Scientists extrapolated that a combination of tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate in the dough was to blame.

Grapes contain these elements in abundance. What this means in practical terms is that any suspected case of grape or raisin ingestion by one’s dog should be taken seriously. A trusted vet or an animal poison control service such as the Pet Poison Helpline should be contacted.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs

A veterinarian since 2010, Joseph Bisignano DVM presently works at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH). As an internal medicine specialist, Joseph Bisignano treats various ailments, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in dogs.

IBD is a complex reaction in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, usually the stomach and intestines. The cause of IBD is often unknown, but parasitic and bacterial infections, inflammation or food sensitivity are often the culprits; it has not been tied to any particular food.

IBD’s main symptoms are vomiting (if present in the stomach) or diarrhea (intestines). If the disease exists in both areas, vomiting and diarrhea will occur. In both cases, the dog may experience weight loss and a reduced appetite if the condition persists.

Diagnosing the disease requires a biopsy. If the suspected location is in the stomach, small intestine or the colon, an endoscopy (flexible camera and biopsy instrument) will be necessary. This is usually performed after a specific food trial is performed and specific imaging such as an ultrasound confirms that there is no other cause for the clinical signs. Other diagnostic methods include a fecal examination and bloodwork for vitamin B12 or folate.

Treatment generally involves changing the diet for a specified period, usually four to six weeks. Dogs with milder IBD can be given a diet in which a new protein is utilized or a hydrolyzed source is used. Owners must stick strictly to the diet – no treats. If this helps to control the symptoms then the patient is often diagnosed to have a dietary responsive enteropathy. This food is often continued long term.

Alternately, medications may be prescribed, such as an antibiotic or probiotics (live bacteria). Steroids may be used to suppress immune reactions, although they risk significant side effects. Deworming or B12 supplements are sometimes recommended.

The prospects for treatment depend on age and severity of symptoms. Younger dogs may experience fully recover, but for most dogs, lifelong treatment is necessary to maintain quality of life. Some may react well to a diet-only regimen, while others must have permanent drug therapy, hopefully at reduced dosages over time. Flare-ups may occur, particularly if the dog scavenges.

Symptoms and Treatments of Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats

Joseph Bisignano DVM is a veterinarian at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH) in Los Angeles, CA. Earning his DVM at the Western University of Health Sciences in 2010, Joseph Bisignano treats a variety of ailments in cats, especially renal failure – malfunctioning of the kidneys. Although it sometimes appears in young felines, one type of renal disease, chronic kidney failure, crops up most often in middle-aged and senior cats.

Drinking more water and urinating more frequently are common symptoms that may not seem like a problem, but frequent trips to the litter box could indicate that there is a problem with your cat’s kidneys. Other signs are weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and bad breath (smelling like ammonia). A visit to your general practitioner if any of these signs are present is recommended and some basic labwork (blood and urine) can be performed to check for kidney disease or other conditions that cause these signs.

No cure exists for chronic kidney failure, but with proper treatment, cats can maintain a good quality of life for several years, especially with early diagnosis. Medications and supplements can reduce the amount of filtration the kidneys need to do by reducing levels of phosphorus and protein. Other drugs can reduce nausea and vomiting.

As you should with all cats, be sure they always have water available. If you notice one or more symptoms of chronic kidney failure, take your cat to a veterinarian.

The VCA West L.A. Animal Hospital’s Alternative Medical Services

VCA West L.A. Animal Hospital
Image: vcahospitals.com

Joseph Bisignano, DVM, serves as an internal medicine specialist at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. In the past, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, has provided cost-free veterinary services through not-for-profit organizations such as the Hope Veterinary Center.

The VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital at 1900 South Sepulveda Boulevard provides animal owners a number of primary and specialty care services. The hospital even offers alternative and holistic medical options to owners who haven’t seen positive outcomes from traditional medicine and to owners hesitant to subject their pets to surgery or the excessive use of drugs. Holistic veterinarians work in tandem with those veterinarians who use modern technology and medicine, rather than in opposition.

Veterinary acupuncture is one example of the hospital’s alternative services. Through careful acupuncture placement, animals can enjoy a number of benefits throughout the body and nervous system, including the release of endorphins. Herbal medical treatments, on the other hand, emphasize the use of plants and organic plant matter to maintain animal health. A number of specific herbal remedies have been identified as effective against common animal illnesses, although owners should make sure to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that plant extracts do not conflict with existing medicines.

More information regarding alternative medical treatment at the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, including chiropractic intervention, can be found at www.vcahospitals.com.

Risk Factors and Control of Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus
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Joseph Bisignano, DVM, serves as part of the treatment team at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, which provides a full range of general, surgical, and specialized care. At the hospital, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, focuses on the care of animals with parvovirus and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Although it can affect dogs of any age, the highly contagious parvovirus most often impacts puppies under the age of four months. Dogs who have not been properly vaccinated are also at risk, as the virus spreads through contact between dogs, through interaction with contaminated surfaces, or via the feces of an infected animal.

The virus is extremely hardy and can live outside of a dog’s body for a significant amount of time. It easily contaminates any surface in a kennel with an infected dog and can even live on the clothing or hands of the dog’s handlers. The virus survives in cold, hot, humid, and dry environments and is difficult to destroy using standard disinfectants, though bleach is known to be effective against the contaminant.

To control parvovirus, kennels or any home with multiple dogs must take care to maintain proper vaccination schedules. If one of the dogs in the home does receive a diagnosis, handlers must take care to contain and safely dispose of the dog’s bodily excretions, as another dog can contract the disease simply by sniffing the infected dog’s stool. Shoes that come into contact with stool should receive a thorough bleach cleaning, as should any other surfaces that may be at risk of being infected.

Finally, isolation of the infected dog is of the utmost importance. When the dog is no longer infected or no longer in residence, the area should receive a thorough disinfection using a veterinarian-approved cleaning agent.

Liver Issues in Dogs

 

Joseph Bisignano DVM
Image: vcaspecialtyvets.com

A veterinarian board certified in veterinary internal medicine, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, treats dogs and other animals with problems like liver, kidney, and autoimmune diseases through VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. In preparation for his animal care career, Joseph Bisignano earned his doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) at the Western University of Health Sciences.

When a dog’s liver health declines, it often results in tell-tale symptoms that range in severity. For instance, animals may refuse food and urinate more than usual. They may also develop very serious symptoms like yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition called “jaundice,” as well as experience blood clots and seizures.

Conditions that give rise to liver failure vary. Some dogs may have congenital defects like liver shunts while others may acquire liver disease by consuming poisonous material or falling victim to infections like canine hepatitis.

Besides birth defects and infections, dogs are susceptible to cancers that grow or spread to the liver. The most common type of liver cancers in dogs are those that begin in the organ’s epithelial cells.