As Animal Emergency Service Hawthorn East celebrates its first birthday, weโve been reflecting on the extraordinary patients whoโve walked (and sometimes been carried) through our doors. Each one has reminded us of the resilience of animals, the strength of the human-animal bond, and the importance of teamwork in veterinary medicine. Here are just a few of the unforgettable pets of Melbourne whoโve helped shape our first year.
Rex โ Our Very First Patient
Rex will always have a special place in our hearts as the very first patient seen at AES Hawthorn East. On opening night, this sweet pup presented after suddenly vomiting during a walk. He quickly became weak, unable to stand, and was dribbling urineโalarming signs that prompted immediate testing.
Blood and urine results came back clear, but his symptoms strongly pointed to a possible toxicity. Under the care of Dr Sophie Plastoโwho was working a locum shift and has since become our Clinical LeadโRex received overnight supportive care. Thankfully, he made a rapid and full recovery, leaving the hospital with wagging tails and grateful owners. One year later, weโre happy to report Rex is doing well and still on the hunt for snacks!
Daisy โ The Fighter
Daisyโs story is one of resilience and quick action. After tradies left the gate open at home, Daisy was hit by a car. She arrived at AES Hawthorn East in respiratory distress, and our team quickly diagnosed a traumatic diaphragmatic herniaโher liver and other abdominal organs had been pushed into her chest through a tear in the diaphragm.
As her condition rapidly deteriorated, Daisy was rushed into emergency surgery led by Dr Euan from Melbourne Animal Referral Services (MARS). The surgery was a success, but Daisyโs battle wasnโt over. She spent seven days in hospital recovering from bruised lungs, organ trauma, and a fractured pelvis.
Despite her injuries, Daisy never lost her spirit. She began to wag her tail and win hearts throughout the hospital. Discharged on day seven with a feeding tube in place, she continued her recovery at home and is now back enjoying her favourite placeโthe beach.
Duke โ A Testament to Love and Determination
Sixteen-year-old Duke faced one of the toughest battles weโve seen. He was diagnosed with a large necrotic cancerous mass in his lungs and underwent thoracotomy surgery at MARS. During surgery, the mass ruptured, and Duke developed severe sepsis, requiring an intensive week in ICU at AES Hawthorn East.
With central lines, chest drains, an O-tube, and a urinary catheter in place, Duke’s situation was critical. But his devoted family never gave up. They read to him daily, brought in his fur siblings for visits, and stayed by his side through every setback.
Their dedicationโand Dukeโs own tenacityโpaid off. Day by day, he improved, and we were overjoyed to send him home to continue healing in the arms of his loving family.
Sterling โ The Stick Survivor
Sterlingโs case was nothing short of shocking. He presented in critical condition with a large stick impaled through his groin. After stabilisation and a CT scan, it was confirmed thatโmiraculouslyโthe stick had missed his abdominal organs and had tunnelled under the prepuce into the groin.
Dr Alex from MARS came in after hours to carefully remove the stick and associated debris. Sterling spent 48 hours recovering in hospital and was then discharged. However, complications arose when he developed a large abscess with resistant bacteria at the site. He returned for repeat surgery and another 48-hour hospital stay.
Despite everything, Sterling bounced back once again, eventually heading home to recover. His case reminds us how vital rapid intervention, collaboration, and perseverance are when treating traumatic injuries.
One Year, Countless Stories
These are just a few of the incredible patients whoโve passed through our doors in the past year. Each one has taught us, challenged us, and inspired us. We’re incredibly proud of our team and grateful to the families who trusted us during some of their most difficult moments.