04/14/2025
🐾 Harper's Journey: From Critical to Courageous
Ten days in the ICU. Eight days on high-flow oxygen. And last week—Harper walked out of our hospital on his own four paws.
Harper was transferred to us from one of our valued referring veterinary partners after he began struggling to breathe. The call came in on a Friday afternoon: “We have a patient in trouble—he’ll be there in 20 minutes.” Our ICU team immediately mobilized. Technicians and a gurney were waiting at the door. Oxygen was on standby.
Just a day earlier, Harper had a normal Thursday. But like many curious doodles, he got into something in the yard he shouldn't have. After vomiting once, things quickly took a turn. By Friday morning, Harper was in respiratory distress, and his primary care vet worked quickly to stabilize him—oxygen, diagnostics, and emergency treatment. X-rays confirmed the worst: severe bilateral aspiration pneumonia.
When Harper arrived at our ICU, his oxygen saturation was in the 70s and he was cyanotic. We started oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, IV fluids, and aggressive antibiotics. Despite our best efforts, by Saturday night, Harper had become septic and was rapidly declining.
That’s when we turned to high-flow oxygen therapy—a more advanced and intensive form of respiratory support. Unlike traditional oxygen therapy, high-flow delivers heated, humidified oxygen at higher rates and with greater precision, helping veterinary patients breathe easier by reducing the work of breathing and improving oxygen exchange. It’s a critical tool in treating patients with severe respiratory compromise.
Harper’s family made the brave decision to continue care, and with their trust and our team’s relentless efforts, Harper slowly turned the corner. Each day, he fought harder—and so did we.
Ten days later, Harper left our hospital, tail wagging and head high. He’s not just a survivor—he’s a testament to teamwork, advanced veterinary care, and the unwavering love of a family who never gave up.
We’re so proud of you, Harper. Thank you for letting us be part of your story. 🩺
