Navigating the Challenges of My Dog’s Health Journey

It’s hard to put into words the emotional rollercoaster that is Harley’s health journey and what comes with caring for a dog with chronic health issues. My dog, who has been part of our family for so many years, was diagnosed with diabetes in November 2022. We adjusted our routine to manage her condition, watching her blood sugar levels and giving her the care she needed. However, what started as a manageable condition has turned into a whirlwind of challenges that have left me feeling heartbroken, anxious, helpless, and broke.

The Early Days of Her Diagnosis

When HarleyQuinn was first diagnosed with diabetes, it was overwhelming but manageable. We worked closely with the vet to ensure she was getting the right amount of insulin and monitored her closely for any signs of imbalance. For a while, things seemed to be going well. But, as with many chronic conditions, things started to change.

A Shift in Her Health

A year and six months after her diabetes diagnosis, during a routine check-up, the vet informed me that her liver enzymes were elevated. This was concerning, but the vet was hopeful that with the right medication, we could stabilize her. However, a follow-up visit a month later revealed more troubling news: her gallbladder was slightly “muddy,” indicating possible issues brewing within her digestive system. It was one thing after another, but we kept pushing forward, hoping that each new hurdle could be overcome.

A Bacterial Gastroenteritis Setback

On December 12th, 2024, everything seemed to take a turn for the worse. She developed a bacterial gastroenteritis that lasted for two long weeks. Watching her go through that was agonizing—she was not her usual self, and I could feel the toll it was taking on her body. After two weeks of antibiotics and careful care, she seemed to recover. But just as I thought we were getting back on track, a few days later, on December 27th, things took another unexpected turn.

The Kidney and Bladder Infection

She wasn’t doing well, and I knew it was time to take her back to the vet. That visit revealed something even more concerning: she had a kidney and bladder infection. My heart sank as they explained that she would need to stay in the hospital for four nights on a drip. The doctors also discovered gas in her bladder and a water pocket in her kidney. It was a lot to process. I never imagined that my dog, who was once so full of energy, would be fighting for her health in such a severe way.

On January 1st, 2025, she was able to come home. She was initially prescribed oral antibiotics, but unfortunately, these caused her to develop blood clots in her urine. We quickly switched to an injectable antibiotic that would be administered every 10 days. This treatment lasted for a month, and though she didn’t seem to improve dramatically, I hoped that it was keeping the infection at bay.

The Latest Update: A Swollen Stomach

Fast forward to three weeks ago, when she had her next check-up. The good news was that her urine cultures came back negative for infection, but the kidney was still showing irregularities and there was still a water pocket in it. Despite this, I held on to hope, believing that we were making progress.

But just this week, I noticed something troubling—her stomach had been swollen for the past three weeks. Concerned, I took her back to the vet, and the possibility of a kidney infection returning was raised once again. The vet took urine samples for testing, and we’re now waiting to see what the results show.

What Should I Do?

As I write this, I feel a heavy sense of heartbreak. My dog just turned 10 in December 2024, and I can’t help but worry that we’re reaching the point where her body is starting to give out. The constant worry, the trips to the vet, the unknowns—it all feels like too much at times. I know many of you may have been through similar journeys with your pets, and I’m reaching out to say, You are not alone! We understand the emotional toll this takes.

Loving Through the Pain

Caring for a dog with ongoing health problems is an emotional battle, and the constant uncertainty can leave you feeling drained. Harley’s health journey has been though, but I remind myself every day that my dog has given me so much love and joy over the years, and now it’s my turn to do everything I can to help her through this difficult time. Through this journey, Rebarkable Pets was born. If you’ve been through something similar, I would love to hear your stories, advice, or words of encouragement. We’re in this together, and sometimes just knowing that can make all the difference.

Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey with me.