I was planning to write something else but unfortunately today's topic I can't ease from me without writing. Writing helps a lot, it feels like I am talking to you. Anyway, my dearest dog Gigi is sick and is in so much pain. She is having a hard time with her body and it's completely uncontrollable for her and unfortunately for me also. The symptoms started happening yesterday, all of a sudden. Gigi was on her heating moment and was having her period for the last 3 weeks. So, I didn't pay attention to her because I thought this is also related to her heat time. Besides, during her first period, doctors from Ukraine told me last year that her second period might be worse than the previous one so I thought this was part of her heating cycle. I was wrong.
A day before yesterday, she did pee in my room. I was at work so I came home late and someone has already taken care of it. So, I didn't worry about it. But at 4.30 am on 10th July, my sleep was broken because of a nasty smell. It was so intense that I almost vomited. It never happened before because Gigi is potty trained. I also wanna mention that this week is the last week of her heating cycle so that was also the reason for my ignorance. But at 4.30 am I was shocked when I saw from where the smell was coming from. Gigi did pee on the bed and it's not regular pee. It's blood pee and seeing this horrible situation, I almost felt like fainted. I instantly called @blind-spot to show what happened. Meanwhile, Gigi started vomiting and I got more scared because this was not normal and not a good sign for a dog.
I bought some baby diapers for Gigi and she always wore those during her heating cycle but that midnight it didn't help at all. She was losing a lot of blood and was showing signs of pain. I first decided to take her out and when I was taking her out, in the lift she again lost blood. The blood spread almost everywhere and I felt so embarrassed because I didn't have adequate cleaning supplies for cleaning. When we were outside she was feeling pain and I saw that she was trying to pee but only blood clots were coming out. Her eyes were full of pain and I clearly noticed that she was scared. She never experienced such a moment in her life. After returning to the room, I started cleaning everything and also gave Gigi a warm bath. It took 2 hours to clean everything and my work hours had arrived.
So, at 6.30 am I went to work and when I arrived home I noticed Gigi was not feeling good. Blind had taken care of her when I was at work and he informed me that again Gigi lost too much blood with her pee. She couldn't control it and within a second this happened. The flow of the blood pee is different, it's fast and fresh blood. After noticing all these I decided to call MarieHelen who recently lost her beloved dog Naira. Naira was a girl so I thought she will know what was going on with Gigi. Because Gigi's behavior has suddenly changed and she looked uncomfortable and scared. It seemed like she was trying to hold something in her but she can't.
Marie Helen instantly decided to see Gigi when I informed her of Gigi's condition. Within 20 minutes she arrived in my room and she decided to check Gigi's condition in person. Gigi was so excited to see her but soon again Gigi started losing blood with pee in front of MarieHelen. After seeing her condition, MarieHelen started calling her friends and Naira's doctor. She started sending photos to everyone and one answer came. Everybody was suspected of either bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).
Inside I was completely broken and I just said to Marie that I need help. It was around 11.30 pm and I didn't sleep at all from 4.30 am to 11.30 pm. Marie started looking for veterinary clinics in Almere but because of Sunday everything was off/ closed. Only one clinic we found open in Amsterdam is a night clinic for pets where Naira was admitted. Marie called there and informed and asked about Gigi's situation. Fortunately, Gigi didn't show any increased temperature signs or vomiting so the clinic said we can take Gigi to the clinic in the morning.
Before leaving, Marie gave me some medicines which were supposed to give little comfort to Gigi at night and it worked. Yesterday, I took Gigi outside 20 times and I and Gigi both were exhausted. But I didn't lose myself thinking that I have to fulfill my responsibility as a mother and I have to be strong. At 3.00 am, on 11th July, Gigi went to bed and fall asleep.
Finally, I went to bed and slept for 2 hours. At 5.30 am I decided to take Gigi out and when we were in the lift, she lost again a lot of blood. From yesterday until today, Gigi almost lost 2 liters of blood with her pee. Then I decided no more waiting so after coming home, I was waiting to call the vet clinic to take an appointment for Gigi. I knew one clinic in Almere from where Gigi got her chip and vaccination so I decided to call there first.
After explaining Gigi's condition, Vet gave me time at 12.00 pm, 11th July. I guess they also understood her emergency condition. We decided to walk there, so me, Gigi, and Blind went to the vet together. On our way, Gigi tried to pee but only blood was coming out from her. She was so uncomfortable and couldn't walk properly.
After 15 minutes of walking, we finally reached the clinic.
The doctor started checking Gigi's condition and after examination, she informed us that Gigi has a bladder infection. I was speechless and had no idea what to say. I instantly felt like my world has fallen apart once again. The vet also examined Gigi's blood and said that she will give antibiotics and medicines to reduce pain and inflammation. Gigi was on a heating cycle and due to her low immune system, bacteria attacked her bladder. She said hopefully provided medicines will help her to recover and if not, we have to go through tests and alternatives which are very expensive here in the Netherlands.
I don't know how to cover that cost. Today somehow I managed the cost because I have got my salary but after 10 days if Gigi doesn't recover, I don't know what to do. On the 21st of July, I have to go to the vet again and on the 20th of July, I have to give the vet the sample of Gigi's urine to check whether she is clear or not. Meanwhile, I have to complete the full antibiotic course carefully within 10 days.
Gigi is a lovely, super friendly, and playful labrador retriever, who has fleed from the Ukraine warzone with me. I left everything behind because of her safety and she is my baby. I know many people will laugh at me saying it's just a dog but I know pet owners will understand how it feels when their pet goes through a lot of pain. When I adopted her, my only wish was her well-being and I can't lose her at any cost. 10th of July was her birthday and Gigi is now 2 years old. I couldn't celebrate her birthday and she doesn't even know that it was her birthday.
Please pray for her, I can't see my baby suffering and in pain. It breaks my heart and I feel helpless. I only can ask for your prayer for Gigi's wellbeing. She had gone through a lot in these 4 months.
Thank you so much for reading...
Wishing she is already in better health.
Yes, I have posted an update about her health yesterday, I will write about it here too...
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Enhorabuena, su "post" ha sido "up-voted" por @dsc-r2cornell, que es la "cuenta curating" de la Comunidad de la Discordia de @R2cornell.
oh, she look very sick Gigi. I hope she recovers soon. I will be praying a lot for her.
She is doing better today because of the medicines, she already lost a lot of blood and her body is still very weak. I will post her update today...