Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using the Ellik bladder evacuator to remove bladder stones in 12 dogs
By Shamoun, John et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2025·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Utilizing the Ellik bladder evacuator during cystoscopic retrieval of urocystoliths in 12 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Twelve dogs with bladder stones were treated using a special tool called the Ellik bladder evacuator during a minimally invasive procedure to remove the stones. Most of the dogs were spayed females from various breeds, and the procedure took about 36 minutes on average. In one case, additional treatments were needed, which extended the procedure time to about 110 minutes. Fortunately, there were no complications, and the stones were successfully removed in 12 out of 13 procedures. This technique could be a helpful option for dogs suffering from bladder stones.
People also search for: dog bladder stones treatment · cystoscopy for dogs · Ellik bladder evacuator in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Urocystolithiasis is a common problem in dogs; many canine uroliths are resistant to medical dissolution. Novel management options would expand, and in some cases improve, current urolith retrieval strategies. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe a previously unreported technique by the Ellik bladder evacuator (EE) to assist in minimally invasive, cystoscopic retrieval of canine cystoliths. ANIMALS: Twelve client-owned dogs presented with urocystolithiasis. METHODS: In this retrospective study, dog demographics, procedure type and duration, and clinical outcomes of dogs undergoing cystoscopic cystolith retrieval utilizing the EE are described. RESULTS: Twelve dogs underwent 13 cystoscopic procedures utilizing EE for cystolith retrieval. The EE was used in accordance with previously described techniques via a custom-made adaptor. Ten dogs were spayed females; 8 different breeds were represented. In 8 of 13 procedures, transurethral cystoscopy alone by EE with or without wire basket or grasping forceps was performed with a median procedure duration of 36 minutes (range, 16-52). In the other 5 procedures, additional interventions (ie, laser lithotripsy, percutaneous perineal approach, urethral stricture ballooning, ethanol parathyroid ablation) were performed as indicated with a median procedure duration 110 minutes (range, 42-144). No complications were noted in association with the use of the EE; retrieval of cystoliths was complete in 12 of 13 procedures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Use of the EE during cystoscopy might aid in minimally-invasive retrieval of cystoliths. This work provides a starting point for additional discussion regarding its benefit relative to current interventions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39701581/