0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- From elderly patients...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- ..to those newly born.
0:00:09 > 0:00:10- From the domestic...
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- From the domestic...- - Is he eating and drinking?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- ..to farm animals.
0:00:15 > 0:00:16- ..to farm animals.- - He doesn't like that!
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- The usual clients.
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- You're alright. What's the matter?
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- Who knows what they will face - when they go to work in the morning.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- This is a very extreme case.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- 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 > 0:00:51- If we don't succeed...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- ..if I'm not happy with the fix, - we'll have to amputate.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Good morning, Wern Vets.
0:00:59 > 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 > 0:01:19- And we'll have a close look - at the life of a vet.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- Good girl!
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- There we are. Job done!
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- Anglesey is vet Gwyn's destination - today.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- As he was raised on the island...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- ..he tries to spend one day - a week here treating farm animals.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- Today, he's attending a calf - that has a nasty hernia.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- This is the hernia.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- It's retracted a little - because the calf is on its back.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- There's a hole there. - I can insert my finger into it.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- If I leave it, the intestine - could strangulate and kill him.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- We'll operate on him - and repair the hole.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- I'll stitch it up.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- What are the bags for?
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- They are to cover his dirty feet, - so that if he kicks his legs...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- ..he won't drop dirt into the wound.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- I'm putting gloves on him - to keep the dirt away.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- Cattle are hardy creatures.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- Carrying out an operation on the - floor of a barn is quite usual.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- But you must clean the animal - thoroughly first.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- Gwyn has given the calf - an anaesthetic jab...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..before starting the treatment.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- He has to put a tube down his throat - to help him breathe.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Could you hold his head back?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- Hold it right back.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- I'm trying to get this - into his windpipe.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- A calf like this - is more of a risk...
0:03:29 > 0:03:35- ..because he has so much muscle, - equal to the size of his lungs.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- There was less of a safety net - with the anaesthetic.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Although Gwyn is working - on a barn floor...
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- ..the surgery is - just as technical...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- ..as it would be - in a vet's operating theatre.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- What I've done now - is dissect the sack.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- Every hernia has a sack which - protrudes from the stomach.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- I'm just dissecting it so I can see - exactly where the sides are.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- A hernia is when part - of an animal's insides...
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- ..protrudes through the stomach.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- If left untreated, the effect - on the intestines can be fatal.
0:04:20 > 0:04:26- I have to be very careful just in - case the intestine is sticking out.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- I don't want to cut the intestine.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- The intestine is a long tube.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- There'd be quite a mess if I cut it.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- I'd have to restitch it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- That's the hernia sack.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- There's the hole - where it was part of the stomach.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- I've trimmed the hole.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- This is the hole that's left. - I have to stitch it up.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- It has to take some weight, - so the stitches have to be robust.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- They have to take the weight of the - calf's stomach and the calf itself.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- That's why I'm using nylon - instead of catgut.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- It should last forever.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Over at the Llanrwst practice, - Roy, the sheepdog...
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- ..has come in for an acupuncture - session with vet, Mary...
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- ..who specialises - in this sort of treatment.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Roy is eleven years old...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..and has been Glyn's faithful - working dog since he was a puppy.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- He is about to retire - from farm work.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- But Glyn is keen that he has a good - quality of life in his retirement.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- The three stages of life in humans - also apply to animals.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Unfortunately, - this is all part of getting old.
0:05:57 > 0:06:03- Working dogs tend to age - more quickly.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- They're out in all weathers. - They work hard.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- They have a proper place to sleep...
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- ..but they are out in the elements - all day.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- Also, this dog had a lot of energy - when he was young.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- He was terrible for jumping fences - and gates.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Perhaps that's catching up - with him now.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- Glyn has tried him on - anti-inflammatories...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..and it worked a bit, but not - as much as he would have liked.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- So we discussed trying acupuncture - as another option for him.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- I'd rather try this sort of thing - than giving him more drugs.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- If he has too many painkilling - drugs...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..it will affect the other organs - in his body.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- The session includes him coming in. - He sits on the table.
0:06:59 > 0:07:05- I'm placing very fine, - solid needles...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- ..into certain points on Roy.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- Those points are based on channels - or meridian lines...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- ..as the Chinese - like to call them.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- These are basically to do with - where the nerves run...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- ..and where they come out - of the spine...
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- ..and where they go into his legs...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- ..or other affected areas.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- I put needles centrally - along his spine...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- ..and then some within - his affected legs.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Mostly on borders between nerves - and muscles.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- Those seem to be the best areas - to effect a response from him.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- This is alternative medicine.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- I think we should be looking more - to alternative medicine.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- It focuses more on the patient...
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- ..rather than on the disease.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- He's had about six sessions now...
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- ..and it seems to have done - a really good job.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- He's brighter. - He wants to go working more.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- He's jumping things again. - That's really good.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- He seems really happy.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- He's certainly enjoying things more - because he feels better.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- The biggest effect is psychological.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- He feels better, - so that gives him confidence.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- That's a sign - that he's in less pain.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- He's been a good dog - and you think a lot of him.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Yes, he's done his best for me, so I - feel I should do my best for him.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- It's nice for the vet - to see a patient get better.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- But it isn't always like that.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- In Bala, Manon is treating a calf - in a serious condition...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..after a night of diarrhoea.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- This calf has suffered heatstroke - and is very dehydrated.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- His eyes are sunken and he's weak. - He's had diarrhoea as well.
0:09:07 > 0:09:13- We're going to put him on a drip - overnight...
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- ..and get as many fluids into him - as we can.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26- Manon has to work quickly - as the calf is very young...
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- ..and could deteriorate suddenly.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- I'm not super hopeful - about this calf.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- What are you giving him?
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- I'm putting fluids into his veins.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- I'm trying to get as much - into him as I can.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- It can be difficult - to find a vein...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- ..when they're as dehydrated - as this.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- A good vein is essential in order - for the drip to be effective.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- But with the animal so poorly, - the veins have become flat...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- ..and difficult to find.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Nothing is taking. Manon has to give - up trying to find a vein.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- There is some doubt as to whether - the calf is still alive.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Yes, he's gone.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Manon confirms that the calf - is dead.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Unfortunately, calves can become - very ill very quickly.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- It's a challenge for the farmer - and the vet to treat them in time.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Over on Anglesey, there is better - news for this calf.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- The hernia operation has been - successful.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Gwyn is satisfied - that the problem is solved.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- I'm just applying a spray - to seal the hole...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..and keep out the insects.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- But it's not all good news.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- Not for the calf, anyway.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Gwyn is going to perform another - operation while he's here.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- He's going to castrate him.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- He's a good calf - and would be a good bull...
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- ..but because of the hernia, - he can't be used as a bull.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- So I'm going to take this - opportunity to castrate him.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- After making a small hole - in the sack...
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- ..Gwyn removes the testicles - with his hands.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- It looks like a cruel treatment...
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- ..but this is the safest and - healthiest way to neuter a calf.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I just need to give him a quick jab.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- An antibiotic injection to finish, - and the calf is back on his feet.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49- He's a little shaky, - but who can blame the poor thing.
0:12:49 > 0:12:49- .
0:12:57 > 0:12:58- Wow, now!
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Near Ruthin, - Dyfrig has to catch his patient.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10- Come on! Good girl!
0:13:10 > 0:13:11- Wow!
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- Dyfrig has to give Coco something - to sedate her...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..before Lee, the horse dentist, - can begin his work.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Here you are, Coco! Good girl, Coco!
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- She knows what's coming.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- There you go! Worst bit over. - Good girl.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Now we're the boss.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Because her nose is crooked, - as you see here...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- ..her front teeth have turned.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- They prevent her from moving her jaw - like she should.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- It also means that her back teeth - are not quite right either.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Lee has come to help us today.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- I've sedated her. We can't do - anything without sedating her.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Lee is going to file down her teeth - so she can eat more easily.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- She's lost some weight lately.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- I'm here today, - purely for restraint.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Lee is putting the gag on now, - so that he can open the mouth...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- ..and put his hand inside - and examine the back teeth.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- Although the front teeth - seem out of place...
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- ..they are not as important - for eating.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- It's the back teeth - that do all the work.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Usually, a vet can file down - a horse's teeth by hand.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- But because of the extreme condition - of Coco's teeth...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- ..they need to call in an expert - and his electric grinder.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- If Coco did not get this treatment - regularly...
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- ..she wouldn't be able to eat and - would eventually starve to death.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- Horses' teeth are totally different - from human teeth.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- They continue to grow - throughout their life.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- That's why we have - to file their teeth.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- This is a very extreme case.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- It's not often that we see - something like this.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58- An ordinary horse will just have - the sharp points filed down.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- I usually do it manually - with a rasp.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- I just file down the sharp points...
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- ..and that's all that's required.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- It's not quite a Hollywood smile...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..but Coco's teeth - look a lot better now.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Back at the surgery for small - animals in Ruthin...
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- ..they're about to get very busy.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Gwion and Annest have arrived...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..with a crate full of - cocker spaniel puppies.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- They are here for vaccination - and microchipping.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- But keeping seven puppies and two - enthusiastic owners in order...
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- ..is quite a challenge.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48- Stop!
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- Gwion and Annest are delighted - with the puppies.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- The puppies are delighted - with them too. Poor Dad!
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- What do you like about that one?
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- Sometimes he sleeps - and sometimes he gives me kisses.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14- And sometimes he runs after us. - He likes running.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- But they're not so fond of vet, - Sarah.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Or of the chipping, anyway.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- They've already had one painful - injection...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- ..so they're expecting the worst.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- I'm going to insert a microchip.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- I don't know if she's going to cry. - Oh yes!
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Because they've already - had an injection...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- ..they feel the microchip - being inserted more...
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- ..because they're expecting it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- There we are. She now has a number.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Are they all wearing different - collars?
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- Yes.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- PUPPY CRIES
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- Gwion knows very well that this - treatment is worth the pain.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13- If a dog gets lost - and someone finds it...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- ..they can take it to a vet - who can scan their microchip...
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- ..and then they will know - who owns it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- It's like a circus in here.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- The puppies are taking over.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- They're determined - to leave their mark too.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- One of them's done a wiggle!
0:18:30 > 0:18:31- One of them's done a wiggle!- - Uh-oh!
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Put them in the cage.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- Are you alright, pup?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Seven puppies have been vaccinated - and microchipped.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- Only one fell off the table. Time - to go home for Gwion and Annest.
0:19:08 > 0:19:14- Back home on the farm, Roy has - perked up since his acupuncture.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- When a sheepdog has worked for - the same farmer all his life...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..the two become very fond - of each other.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- I had a similar dog fifteen - or twenty years ago.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- He had trouble with his joints - as he got older.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- They put him on - anti-inflammatories...
0:19:36 > 0:19:42- ..but within six months, they had - damaged his liver and his kidneys.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- I didn't want that to happen to Roy, - if at all possible.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- He's given me his best years.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- You can't expect anyone - to give more than that.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54- He's certainly done that.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- To illustrate how faithful - he is...
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- ..and the fact that he won't go - with anyone except me...
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- ..when he was about three years old, - I sold him.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- I had three dogs - and I only needed two.
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- There was one older than Roy, - and that one was too old to sell.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- The other one wasn't fully trained.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- But I decided to sell - the middle one.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Six months after selling him...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..I found out that he wouldn't work - for the person I sold him to.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- I telephoned him, bought the dog - back and went to fetch him.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Fair play to the farmer, he had - a lovely environment for him.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- He'd looked after him really well, - despite the dog refusing to work.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- I took him to the field and - he worked for me straightaway.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55- That shows how obedient, loyal - and devoted he was to me.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- I think there are more important - things to look for in a dog.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- His temperament is excellent.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- He isn't afraid of people and - nothing distracts him from his work.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- You see many dogs constantly - stopping and lying down.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- That's not what makes - a good sheepdog.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- He has the two most important - elements in a dog.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Once you have those two, - you're half way to a very good dog.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- The acupuncture has raised - his spirits significantly.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- He's a much happier dog.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- He's still a bit stiff sometimes...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..but he's definitely happier.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- I would recommend trying - acupuncture...
0:21:48 > 0:21:54- ..to anyone in a similar situation - to Roy.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- As you can see, he wouldn't have - been able to work with the sheep...
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- ..like that a year ago - without being in pain.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Coco, the horse - with the crooked mouth...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- ..can now enjoy a bagful of hay - after his dental treatment.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- The calf that had the hernia removed - and two other valuable objects...
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- ..is happy and back with his mother.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Next time on Bywyd y Fet...
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- Nelson the dog is in trouble again.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- Some dogs are accident-prone.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- I'll just get my...oh Nelson!
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- You can get him down, if you like.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- It's a difficult decision for Alex.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- His horse isn't going to get better.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50- She's quite old. - She has a few other health issues.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- It's not looking good.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
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