Join Lucy's Fight for Health and Recovery

On June 11, 2024 we brought Lucy into what we thought would be a normal vet visit. She's had allergies in the past, the doctor agreed the symptoms were similar, so he perscribed her the same medicine minus one. Advised if things got worse to let them know and we would go from there.

On Saturday June 22 she was not herself and looked like she was in pain, squinting her eyes like the sun was in them even though she was in a dark room. We rushed her to a 24 hour emergency vet which ultimately was a nightmare. 4 hours, a few xrays, and a couple new meds perscribed later we were told she was fighting some type of infection but they couldn't tell me what exactly.

Monday she vomited her medicine everywhere and I immediately called her normal vet and told them something wasn't right, they agreed, and asked her to come in immediately.

In comes a Doctor who is new to everyone, including Lucy, but he was quick. Within less than 3 minutes he took all the same information I had given everyone else, had a theory, ran an xray, and was correct. She was then rushed into surgey to, and I quote, "Save your baby girls life!"

He told me had I not been so persistent about the issue she wouldn't have made it to Tuesday.

Back story to this - Once upong a time Lucys primary vet was Banfield (believe me I regret that decision). When she was a puppy we brought her in for a regular teeth cleaning and during the process she flatlined as a response to the anasthesia. They lied and said that was the only kind used for dogs, other vets assured me that was not the case. They recommended she get spayed shortly after this incident. Naturally I didn't trust them to handle such a procedure given what had just happened during a teeth cleaning.

Long story short, she never got spayed.

Now that I had found her a reputable Vet, I did ask if we could go ahead and talk about getting that scheduled once she recovered from what we thought was allergies. I wish I found them sooner!

Poor Lucy had recently finished her cycle, but in the process, her tubes shut, filling her insides with an infection and puss. Had I not gotten her to Dr Ortiz that morning he said it would have more than likely ruptured, and she wouldn't have made it.

The surgey was thankfully a success, but there is still work that needs to be done, plus recovery. I am eternally grateful for Dr Ortiz saving her life and want her to stick around for as long as possible!

The journey has only just begun!

I would also like to take the time to address anyone considering not spaying their female dogs for whatever the reason is. While the Doctors may advise you that cancer is possible later in life, and while that may be true, there are other dangers. Pyometra is potentially life threatening and not commonly checked from what I was told. All the symptoms are absolutely horrible on top of that. If you are hesitant because you don't trust the Vet/Doctor, like I was, I highly recommend taking the time to research vets in your area. I promise you there are Vets/Doctors out there that have nothing but the best intention and will take care of your fur kids as if they were their own.

I wish everyone had the same access to the same type of service I received with Lucy!

As always, live good, be good, and love sent!