The nation’s favourite vet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, is challenged by complex feline and canine cases in the third episode.
Andy and Petra bring their 13-month-old cocker spaniel puppy for scheduled surgery for hip dysplasia, which will require two separate full hip replacements. But during the first operation there’s a snag mid-surgery and Noel has to find another solution.
Two-year-old cat Jazz is rushed in by mum Sarah suffering from a smashed femur and punctured lung after being hit by a car. Some of Sarah’s four children have special needs and Jazz is a very special companion, providing therapy as well as friendship. On its own, Jazz’s leg injury is not life-threatening, but there are other complications that could be.
And Laura arrives with eight-year-old dachshund Olive, who has suddenly lost the use of her back legs. Olive has worked with Laura as a therapy dog with pupils at the school where she teaches. MRI scans confirm that a disc in Olive’s spine has blown – a genetic issue in this breed – and the clock is ticking as she is taken to surgery. ‘When the disc explodes and hits the spinal cord it does damage, which is why it’s important you’re here quickly,’ Noel explains. But even after the operation, it’s still by no means certain that Olive will ever walk again.
The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick – Wednesday at 8.00pm on Channel 4.
