26/11/2025
Meet Hank! 🐾
Hank was referred to Camilla and the Internal Medicine team at Blaise Referral Hospital for investigation of sudden lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, and noticeable jaundice that hadn’t responded to antibiotics. On presentation, his bilirubin was markedly elevated at 100 µmol/L, giving him that unmistakable yellow tint.
Hank was diagnosed with bacterial cholangitis, an infection of the bile ducts that can cause liver inflammation and jaundice. To identify the exact cause, a cholecystocentesis (sampling of the gallbladder) was performed, and the sample was sent to the lab for culture. This revealed two bacterial species, which allowed the team to select the most appropriate antibiotic therapy for him.
As Hank wasn’t eating well, a temporary nasogastric feeding tube was placed to provide vital nutritional support, helping him regain strength during his treatment.
Thanks to the careful management by the Internal Medicine team, as well as the outstanding support from our nurses and ICU team, Hank made a full recovery. Four weeks later, he returned for a follow-up (as you can see in the picture) with no signs of jaundice, normalized bloodwork, and his usual happy, energetic self! 🩵