0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- From elderly patients...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- ..to those newly born.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- From the domestic...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- ..to farm animals.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- She's about six weeks gone.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18- The usual clients.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20- Well done, puss!
0:00:21 > 0:00:22- And the unexpected.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- These are the creatures Wern - Veterinary Surgeons have to treat.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- The nurses call him Grumpy.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Who knows what they will face - when they go to work in the morning.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- He injured his leg yesterday - jumping out of the pick-up.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- They turn their hand to the old - techniques as well as the new.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- The work of a vet is never dull.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- If I leave him, the intestines will - go through the hole and strangulate.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- We'll operate on him - and repair the hole.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Good morning, Wern Vets.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- Wern Veterinary Surgeons - have six sites.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- They treat all kinds of animals - across North East Wales.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- In this series, we'll experience the - ups and downs of the Wern vets.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- And we'll have a close look - at the life of a vet.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- Another happy customer.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- At the practice in Abergele, John is - responsible for morning surgery.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- Is this Cymro? How is he?
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- The first on the list is Cymro - the dog and Mererid, his owner.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- He's come for a vaccination.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- It's important for puppies - to have the right vaccinations...
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- ..so that they are immune - to disease.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- You're a little one.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- Let's get him out. He's pretty.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- We'll weigh him first - to see how heavy he is.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- John has been a vet for 35 years.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- He's one of 32 vets - who currently work at the practice.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- One and a half kilos.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12- Just over three pounds.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- And he's a tricolour too!
0:02:16 > 0:02:17- He's a boy.
0:02:17 > 0:02:18- He's a boy.- - Yes.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- I should hope so - with the name Cymro.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23- He has a nice moustache.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25- Good boy, Cymro.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- He's got sharp teeth. Does he bite?
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- No. He just chews shoes and socks.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34- That's alright then.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- He looks healthy. - He's neither fat nor thin.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- I'm going to listen - to his heart now.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- It sounds fine.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- There we go. - He's standing very still.
0:02:52 > 0:02:53- Very good.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- He needs two vaccinations. One now - and another in a month's time.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- How's your coat, Cymro?
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- While examining Cymro's skin...
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- ..John notices that he has - a scratching problem.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- Let's look at your belly. Good boy!
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- Oh dear! Do you see that on his leg?
0:03:17 > 0:03:18- Yes.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- It's a flea.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- Oh dear! - He's been living in the hay.
0:03:25 > 0:03:26- A haystack.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- He's been living in a haystack.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- That's where they've come from. - From the other dogs and cats.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- Hold him for a minute, - while I give him the jab.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- Then we'll put some stuff - on his back to kill the fleas.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- How many times do you feed him - in a day?
0:03:43 > 0:03:44- Twice.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Twice! - He needs about four meals a day.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- Now then, Cymro.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Hold his head - and I'll give him the jab.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Oh dear!
0:03:57 > 0:03:58- He's brave.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- Give him a rub.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- It stings a bit because it's cold.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- It's been in the fridge.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- He's a brave little dog.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- I'll fetch some drops.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- He hasn't had anything, has he?
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- Good boy!
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- Hold him just there.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- You're a good dog!
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- That will last a month now.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Let's put him back in his box.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- Thank you very much.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- Goodbye now.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- Dyfrig has been working at the - practice for almost fifteen years.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- Farm animals are his specialism.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- This morning, he's been called out - to a dairy farm near Ruthin.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- One of the dairy cows is not - producing as much milk as usual.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- This is a sign - that something is wrong.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- Illnesses in cattle - can be quite puzzling.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- We listen in every place - that we can.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- We feel every part that we can.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- We look at every part of the cow.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Then we put it all together - to form a diagnosis.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36- Her stools are very dry. - That's a sign that she's not well.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- I think she may have a chest - infection or a virus.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- That would normally - be our first diagnosis.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- So we'll treat her for that.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- We'll bring down her temperature - so that she feels better.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- We'll give her some antibiotics, - so she doesn't get any worse.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- We don't want it - to turn into pneumonia.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- We'll see how she gets on - in the next few days.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09- I'd expect her to have improved - by the weekend...
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- ..and to start producing milk.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- It's quite a common problem.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- These cattle work very hard.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- So these infections - knock them for six.
0:06:21 > 0:06:27- We inject the drugs into the vein, - so that they work faster.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- If you look at her stools, you can - see that she's becoming dehydrated.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- She isn't drinking enough water.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- It doesn't do any harm - to put some fluids into her.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- We'll give her - a couple of buckets of water...
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- ..to make sure - she has enough fluids.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- The only way to get water into - the cow's stomach quickly...
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- ..is by putting a pipe - down her throat.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- The tube reaches - straight into her stomach.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- It goes straight into the rumen, - the first part of the cow's stomach.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- It has about 150-200 litres - of capacity.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Two buckets aren't very much really.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- The rumen is only one part - of the cow's stomach.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- We usually think that cows - have four stomachs.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- But they only really have one.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- It's divided into four compartments.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The way I know how much fluid - to put into a cow...
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- ..is by looking at her left side, - behind her ribs.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- That's where the rumen - begins to fill up.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- I look to see how full the rumen is - as I'm pumping it in.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- I look at the rear left side - of the cow...
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- ..and I can see - that there is room for more.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- She's full now. I'll stop.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Before he leaves, Dyfrig gives the - cow an injection of antibiotics...
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- ..to treat the chest infection.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- That's it.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- Another happy customer.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Does Elsa belong to you?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Over at the Bala surgery...
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- ..Hanna and Eifion have brought - their pet in to be examined.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Who do we have here?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- Who do we have here?- - Elsa.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- What sort of animal is Elsa?
0:08:52 > 0:08:53- A rabbit.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- What did you think the first time - you saw Elsa?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Happy.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Why did you choose the name Elsa?
0:09:02 > 0:09:02- Who else is called Elsa?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Who else is called Elsa?- - Frozen.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Elsa, come in!
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Come on, Elsa!
0:09:12 > 0:09:13- Hello!
0:09:24 > 0:09:25- How is Elsa getting on?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Okay. She's about ten - and a half weeks old.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- We just wanted to check - that she's growing okay.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Just a check-up then really. - That's fine.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Manon has been a vet at the practice - for almost two years.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- She was offered a full-time job...
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- ..after a period of work experience - as a student.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51- How long have you had her?
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- Almost three weeks.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Elsa is a very young rabbit.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- Manon will examine her - and give advice if necessary.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Is she quite energetic and bouncy?
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- Yes.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- I'm a bit concerned - that she's not putting on weight.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Something is worrying Elsa's owners. - The rabbit is a little thin.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Despite all the food she is offered.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- O.8. No, 0.47, sorry.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- She wants to make a break - for freedom.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- As Manon examines the rabbit, - there is a query about Elsa.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Has she definitely been sexed?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- No. Are you going to tell me - she's a boy?
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- I'm pretty sure. It's very difficult - when they're very young.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- But I'm pretty sure he's a boy.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- I'll probably check again - in a couple of weeks.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- You should see - some testicles develop.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- It was a girl because she was Elsa!
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Hanna isn't at all happy - to hear the news.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- We'll find out in a fortnight...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- ..whether Hanna needs to choose a - more masculine name for poor Elsa.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- You don't want Elsa to be a boy, - do you?
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- No.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- Why don't you want Elsa to be a boy?
0:11:08 > 0:11:09- Because she's Elsa.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14- .
0:11:16 > 0:11:16- Subtitles
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Back at the practice in Abergele...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..Nel's first client - is a little dog called Amber.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Amber is having - a dental check today.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- She'll have her teeth - cleaned.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Is this something - that has to be done often?
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- If you don't do it, they can get - infections and lose teeth.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- They can get tooth root infections.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45- It's better to do it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- If you can brush their teeth - yourself, they don't need it.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- There's a lot of plaque - on her teeth.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- They have to be cleaned - to give them a Hollywood smile.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Because Amber is - a very nervous dog...
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- ..Nel has to give her a - jab to sedate her...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- ..before giving her an anaesthetic.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Nel will be doing the cleaning - and the nurse, Natasha will assist.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17- Put her down there.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- Those were her pre-meds.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- They're just to sedate her a little - before she has the anaesthetic.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- There's a painkiller in it as well - - methadone...
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- ..so she doesn't feel the injection.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- She's very stressed at the moment.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- This is so she can relax - before the injection.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- It will take about twenty minutes - to take effect.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- From time to time, the practice - receives an unexpected patient.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- This is Llewelyn, the donkey.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- Vet Emma is looking after him - and Jolene is assisting her.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Emma is taking Llewelyn - for a little walk...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- ..to help him get strong - after his recent operation.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- Here we are.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- While Nel waits for the drug - to take effect on Amber the dog...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- ..she's come out to meet - Llewelyn the donkey.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30- Llewelyn is seven months old and - on his form it says he has colic.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- He's had an operation and the - operation wound became infected.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- So his skin is still - a little infected.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- We need to flush out the wound - every day.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- I try to do it in the morning - and the afternoon.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- We have had to keep him - on antibiotics...
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- ..and keep the wound clean.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Because Llewelyn developed an - infection after his operation...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..Emma cleans the wound - by spraying it with antiseptic.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Llewelyn is well behaved.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- He gets a bit noisy if there are - dogs in the waiting room.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- He starts braying.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- He's fairly happy.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- He'll feel better now.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- I'm using manuka honey.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- It's good for skin infections.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- It helps fight the infection.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- It's expensive stuff.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- Emma uses manuka honey that comes - originally from New Zealand...
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- ..instead of ordinary honey - because of its unique properties.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- This special honey has several - different uses...
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- ..including the ability to cure - many illnesses and infections.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- I've finished.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- Let's take him back.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- Come on, Llew.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Amber the dog is now sedated...
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- ..and ready to receive the - anaesthetic to make him sleep.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Nel has already shaved his leg - and cleaned it with antiseptic.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- These preparations must be made - before using a needle...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..in order to prevent infection.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- This is a general anaesthetic.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- It will make her sleep - so that we can put a tube in.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- It's called Propofol.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59- Michael Jackson overdosed - on Propofol.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Amber will need help to breathe - during the operation.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Nel puts a special tube - down her throat.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- It will pump a mixture of oxygen - and anaesthetic gases to her lungs.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- A small piece of sponge is placed - in her mouth during the operation...
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- ..to absorb any water - that gathers in her mouth...
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- ..so that it doesn't go down - her wind pipe.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- Animals lose heat from their bodies - very quickly when under anaesthetic.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- So Natasha covers Amber - with a blanket to keep her warm.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Once Natasha is satisfied...
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- ..with Amber's condition - under the anaesthetic...
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- ..Nel can begin - the work of cleaning her teeth.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Nel has been working - at the practice for four years...
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- ..and has undertaken - hundreds of treatments like this.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Although dogs do not have as much - dirt or as many cavities...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- ..in their teeth as people do...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- ..it's important - that they are cleaned regularly.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Bits of meat need to be removed - to prevent dangerous infections...
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- ..that could affect the heart and - other important organs in the body.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- Here in Ruthin, the vets practice - has its headquarters.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- This is where the practice - started out.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- There are two animal treatment - centres in Ruthin now.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- As well as surgeries - for treating small animals...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..part of their headquarters - has been specially adapted...
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- ..to treat farm animals and horses.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Dyfrig is eagerly awaiting - his next patient.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Mr and Mrs Jones are worried - about their calf.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- She hasn't eaten properly for days - and is behaving strangely.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- She has maggots under her tail.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24- She has maggots under her tail.- - Her tail?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- A maggoty tail.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- That's why it's sore.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- You wouldn't know - unless you lifted her tail.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- You wouldn't expect a calf - to be maggoty.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- You don't see it very often.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- The first job is to remove them - and treat the area...
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- ..so it doesn't develop any further.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- SHAVING NOISE
0:18:49 > 0:18:50- Look at all of them here.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- Her leg's blistered all the way - down there. She's got big muscles.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- There you are. - You'll feel better now.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- After shaving her behind, Dyfrig is - washing her with soap and water...
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ..to make sure - all the maggots are gone.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- It's been very painful for her.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32- It's been very painful for her.- - Poor thing!
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- I'll put some Spot On on her to kill - any that may be lurking elsewhere.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- If there are any more hiding - on the calf's body...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..this skin treatment - will kill them.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Come on, Mrs.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- It's no wonder that the poor thing - has been behaving strangely...
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- ..with a bottom full - of itchy maggots.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Being a vet isn't - the cleanest of jobs.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- It's important that the vet cleans - and disinfects his clothes...
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- ..straight after completing - a treatment...
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- ..so that he doesn't spread - infection to other animals.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- What kind of harm can maggots do - to an animal like a calf?
0:20:53 > 0:20:59- Maggots will burrow - into their flesh...
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- ..and in this case they could have - eaten her from the inside out.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- That would have been very - unpleasant.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- We managed to catch it - before that happened.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- They hadn't yet broken the skin.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- When Hanna and her brother Eifion - visited the Bala surgery recently...
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- ..with Elsa the rabbit...
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- ..the vet wasn't sure whether - the rabbit was male or female.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- But now there is no doubt.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- She is female - and she gets to keep her name.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- How many times a day - does Elsa want food?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Once. In the morning.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56- If she finishes it, - we give her another one.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- I like it when she bounces around.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- She has to be a good girl.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- She likes running around outside - with Hanna and me.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- Elsa is eating better too - and has put on some weight.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Why do you put Elsa on a lead?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- She might run away.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- Did you want Elsa - to be a boy or a girl?
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- A girl, - because it's Hanna's rabbit.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- Hanna is delighted - that Elsa is...well, Elsa.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- In Abergele, - Amber has regained consciousness...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- ..after having her teeth cleaned - under anaesthetic.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- She is ready to go home.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Llewelyn the donkey is happy - and getting better.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Next time, on Bywyd y Fet...
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- ..Alex has a feathered problem.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- I've never operated - on a bird before.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- It's the first time I've done - something like this.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- I've read the textbook, so I hope - everything works out well.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- A little white calf - needs John's help.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- He's fractured the joint in a place - called the growth plate.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36- .