Patient Story: Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS)

3-year-old Dolly recently gave everyone quite a scare after collapsing at home. She was brought to VSS Jindalee for urgent care and managed by our Internal Medicine team for shock. Her initial presentation and diagnostic findings were consistent with an anaphylactic event, alongside a history of acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS), with dehydration likely playing a significant underlying role.

Dolly responded beautifully and rapidly to her initial stabilisation, and stayed with us for three days while we supported her through a few complications. On day two, there was evidence of acute kidney injury, secondary to shock; however, her kidney parameters steadily improved over the following 36 hours, even if not completely normal by discharge. By day three, Dolly developed a urinary tract infection (UTI), showing signs such as frequent/small urinations, straining and blood in her urine, with ultrasound confirming an inflamed bladder wall. The cause is uncertain, but may be related to hospitalisation stress or an ascending infection associated with her diarrhoea. She has since started on antibiotics, which may be adjusted pending culture results.

Despite everything, Dolly remained bright, comfortable, and full of personality - keeping her tail wagging, maintaining a good appetite and soaking up all the attention from our team. Importantly, her diarrhoea did not significantly progress during her hospital stay.

After going home, Dolly returned a few days later with similar signs, likely linked to her ongoing gastrointestinal issues and a reduced appetite. She spent one more night with us and was soon back to her happy self again. As her owner joked, “maybe she just likes to be in hospital with you” - and we have to admit, we’re quite fond of her too.

Dolly will be back with our Internal Medicine team soon to further investigate a suspected chronic upper gastrointestinal condition discussed during her first visit. She has truly become one of our most beloved patients, and she never fails to bring a smile to our staff.