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 > 0:00:12- From the domestic...- - Wow, there!
0:00:12 > 0:00:12- From the domestic...
0:00:12 > 0:00:13- ..to farm animals.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- You look silly, - but it keeps you clean.
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- I'll just put in one or two - stitches.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Who knows what they will face when - they go to work in the morning?
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- They get the fun - without the responsibility.
0:00:40 > 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.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- It's nice to have a party...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..and see everyone together - outside work.
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 > 0:01:24- There we are. - That will last a month now.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- It's the breeding season - and a busy time for Y Wern.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- They have to perform a delicate - operation on all these rams.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- Dozens of them are going under - the knife today...
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- ..so a large team of vets - is required.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- Farmers want the best possible lambs - from their sheep.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- These rams will perform - an important task.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- They will prepare the flock - to receive the best ram.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- But they have to do it without - fertilising the sheep.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- That's why they're having - this operation.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Among the vets is Manon.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Today, we have a group of rams.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- We will be performing vasectomies - on them.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- Then they will be sold - as teaser rams.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- The teaser ram has a specific - purpose.
0:02:38 > 0:02:44- About a month before the farmer - introduces...
0:02:44 > 0:02:50- ..his best ram to his sheep...
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- ..the teaser ram goes round - the sheep and gets them excited.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- His job is to get them ready - and synchronized for the chief ram.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- That's how they ensure - they propagate the best genes.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- They have the fun - without the responsibility.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- First, Manon gives the ram - an anaesthetic jab...
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- ..before starting the operation.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- They usually calm down - when they're on their backs.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- If they think there's somewhere - to run, they panic.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34- If they're tied down firmly, - they give in.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- Once the ram is calm...
0:03:36 > 0:03:42- ..Manon begins the work of rooting - out the vas deferens duct...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- ..which carries the ram's sperm.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- It isn't easy to get hold of this - important vein.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- You need patience and skilful hands.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- It's extremely fibrous.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- There are other veins close to it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Once Manon finds the duct and clamps - it on both sides...
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- ..she cuts part of it away.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- She then closes the wound - and begins on the other side.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- That's one side done.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- I'll close up and do the other side.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- Four have had the snip.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Only another 26 to go.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- At another of Y Wern's sites, - in Ruthin...
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- ..Gwyn is weighing up what to do - about a badly injured cat.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- The cat is called Boo.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- As you can see from the X-ray...
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- ..she's broken her femur very badly.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- We think she was hit by a car.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- The bone is broken into five pieces.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- There's a piece at the top - and one at the bottom...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- ..and some fragments in the middle.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- What I'm hoping to do is to put in - a plate to join those two...
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- ..and one of those small fragments.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- If it doesn't work, - if I'm not happy with the repair...
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- ..we may have to amputate the leg.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- We'll try to avoid that if we can.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Before starting the operation...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- ..the vet has given the cat - an anaesthetic jab.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- He is waiting for it to take effect.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30- At stables near Bala...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..vet Alex has been called out - to sedate a horse...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- ..so that some work can be done - to tidy up his coat.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- I'll get him used to me - first of all.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- How long have you had him?
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- Sixteen years.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- This giant horse is called Fred.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- He's going to have his coat clipped - today.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Pop him in there - before he gets too sleepy.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Come on! Good boy.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- They all react slightly differently - to being sedated.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- Some only need a little bit - and they go to sleep.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- But I think that - because he's tense...
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- ..he'll need a bit more...
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- ..to make him sleepy enough - to be able to do the job.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- I'll just observe him - and see what happens.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- But he'll remain on his feet?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Yes, that's the plan.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38- Fred's owner has called in - a horse clipping expert.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- Luckily, she is well used to - treating nervous horses like Fred.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Before starting the shaving, - she turns on the clippers...
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- ..to get Fred used to the noise.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- The owner has decided to shave - Fred's coat all over...
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- ..because he sweats so much - when being ridden...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- ..which causes painful skin - irritation.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Oh dear! - And things were going so well!
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Fred's coat is too thick - for the clippers.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- Perhaps Fred will start a new - fashion with his half shaved coat!
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- Unless Alex can get the clippers - to work.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Because of the problem - with the clippers...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- ..the sedative drug has begun - to wear off...
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- ..before Fred's coat is finished.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Good boy! - You've done well up to now.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- Although this looks cruel...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..turning or twitching - a horse's nose...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- ..is a traditional method - of calming.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- It's better than giving him - more drugs.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Using this device on the nose - releases a tranquillizing hormone...
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- ..and creates an analgesic effect.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- Is your nosebag ready?
0:08:10 > 0:08:16- Once Fred's coat is finished, - Alex moves on to his next job.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Back in Ruthin, - Boo the cat is fast asleep.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Gwyn prepares to begin - the major operation.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The first part of the operation - will be to expose the bone.
0:08:34 > 0:08:40- We have to get down to the bone, - separate the muscles and veins...
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- ..without doing any more damage - than she has sustained already.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- Then we have work out exactly what - to do with the fragments.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Which ones can slot back - into place...
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- ..and which ones have no blood - supply and have to be removed.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Hopefully, the body will heal - the gaps itself.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- If you had to amputate the leg, - how would it manage?
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- They adapt very well. They don't - usually have any problems.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- But, of course, their quality of - life is better with four legs.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- The X-ray clearly shows that Boo - has broken her leg in five places.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- So Gwyn has to open up the entire - leg to get a better look...
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- ..at exactly which bones are broken - and if any of them can be saved.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- This is difficult because I can't - see where the bones should be...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- ..because so many are broken - and they've all moved.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- The first thing we have to do - is find the various pieces.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- To see where they are.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- You can see there that there is - another loose piece of bone.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- I want to try and incorporate that - into the repair somehow.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- There's another piece here.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- It's loose and floating.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Unfortunately, it was impossible - to save all the pieces of bone.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- So Gwyn has decided - to remove them...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..and replace them - with a metal plate.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- The plates that Gwyn uses - are made of shiny steel.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- This type of metal is used - in surgery of this sort...
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- ..because it doesn't rust - and it's quite cost-effective...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..compared to other materials.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- Before putting in the plates, - Gwyn drills a hole in the bone...
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- ..ready for the screw - that will hold the plate in place.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Do you think the plate - will save the leg?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- I think so.
0:11:33 > 0:11:39- I think it's solid enough to fuse.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- It's a shame we have to lose - those bits of bone from the middle.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53- I think the ends are strong enough - to take the strain.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01- What's left to do now?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- I'm just going to stitch her up now.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Operations like this require - intense concentration.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Gwyn has been operating for two - hours and is sweating profusely.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- Although the injury to Boo's leg - was serious when she arrived...
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- ..Gwyn is confident that the - operation will be a success.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- In terms of a percentage...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- ..I would say her chance of a - complete recovery is about 80%.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I hope so anyway.
0:12:39 > 0:12:39- Subtitles
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- At the surgery in Bala, - the reception area is very busy.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- A very lively dog - has come to see Eleri.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- We have a dog called Nelson next.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- He had an accident in February.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- We took some X-rays and we thought - he'd broken some ribs.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- But I would have expected them - to have healed by now.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- I hope this is a new problem.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- We haven't seen him since February.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- I wouldn't have thought - it was connected.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- He's not very old, just over a year. - I hope he hasn't hurt himself again.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Some dogs are accident-prone.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Let's have a look at him - and see what's wrong.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- Nelson.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Your number's up.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44- Hello!
0:13:44 > 0:13:45- He's a bit nervous.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47- He doesn't want to be here.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49- Come on, it's okay.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Has he been alright - since his mishap in February?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Yes. He had a bit of a lump there, - but it's gone now.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- You don't know how it happened.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00- No.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- This time, I think he's got mites - in his ears.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Has he been scratching?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Yes. - Scratching and shaking his head.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10- Do you have cats?
0:14:10 > 0:14:11- Do you have cats?- - No.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Is one ear worse than the other?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- That was nice!
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- That's what Nelson thinks of us!
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- It's very red.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- He doesn't like me doing that.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54- I think it is mites. Ear mites.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- If we treat them, - they should go away quickly.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- I'll give you some drops. - I'll put some in now.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Here you are. Special drops to make - you feel better.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- It's alright. He's lovely! - He hasn't tried to bite me.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- He isn't very old. Just over a year.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27- Has he been neutered yet?
0:15:28 > 0:15:29- No, not yet.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30- Do you want it done?
0:15:31 > 0:15:32- Yes, at some point.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- It's better to do it sooner - rather than later.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- It's a simpler operation, - they heal quicker...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- ..and it benefits their health more.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43- Okay.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- He may start trying to escape.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- Yes, he's started already.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- It can be a hassle.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- We get a lot of dogs in here...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- ..who haven't been neutered - and have escaped.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- He's been microchipped, hasn't he?
0:16:01 > 0:16:02- Yes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04- In case he wanders.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- We operate on Wednesdays - and Fridays.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09- Okay.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- It's a straightforward operation.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- You just give this a good squeeze.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- Make sure when you massage the ear - that you can hear that noise.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Oh! You don't like that.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- I'll just rub it in thoroughly.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Keep the drops in the fridge - between uses.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Give them to him twice a day.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I'll just get my....oh Nelson!
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- You can get him down, if you like.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39- Bless!
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Alex has been called to another - stable near Llanarmon...
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- ..to see a horse - that is seriously ill.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- This horse has a history - of laminitis.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- A condition that causes lameness - and severe pain.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Alex has to face the difficult task - of weighing up...
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- ..what is the best course of action - for the poor horse...
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- ..because her condition - is deteriorating.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- She's not looking good, Alex.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- No, she isn't, unfortunately.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- She's deteriorated in the few days - since I last saw her.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- The plan today was to try - and pinpoint the pain.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- On the first day, I tried to work - out whether it was an abscess.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- She has a history of laminitis.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- I thought at first - it was an abscess.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- But today, I can see how painful - it is.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- I think there may be something - more serious going on.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- Also, the owner mentioned that - her nose has been bleeding.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Unfortunately, - they've come to the conclusion...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..that it may be time - to put her down.
0:18:05 > 0:18:11- She's quite old. - She has a few other health issues.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- It's not looking good.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- You can see how she shifts - her weight.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Although her back leg - is obviously painful...
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- ..she's not very comfortable - on the others either.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- If she were otherwise healthy and - there was nothing else wrong...
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- ..I would create nerve blocks.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- I would use a little local - anaesthetic to numb the leg...
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- ..going up a bit each time - until I could pinpoint the pain.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Then I would take some X-rays.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53- But the way things are today, - I won't be going ahead with that.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Although it's a difficult decision - for any vet to make...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..Alex is certain that the best - he can do for the horse...
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- ..is to put him to sleep.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- But he has to make sure that the - owner agrees with his decision.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- We discussed the investigations - we could do with the laming.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- There may not be anything we can do - to make her more comfortable.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- We don't want her to have any more - investigations.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- That's fair enough.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- That's where animals are lucky.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- It comes to the point - when enough is enough.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- That's the way you're thinking then.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- It's the kindest thing - at this stage.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Once Alex and the owner - have agreed...
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- ..that the horse - should be put to sleep...
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..Alex makes the necessary - arrangements.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Hi, it's Alex here from Wern Vets. - How are you?
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Y Wern isn't responsible for - the removal of animal corpses.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- But to spare the owner's feelings...
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- ..Alex contacts an animal cremation - company on their behalf.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- Unfortunately, dealing with - sad situations such as this...
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- ..is a central part of a vet's work.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- But this isn't the fate of every - poorly or badly injured animal.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- Three weeks ago, Boo underwent - a serious operation on her leg.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- She faced the possibility of losing - her leg altogether...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- ..if things went badly.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- But looking at her today, - it's hard to believe.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- BABY CRIES
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Nel is one of Y Wern's vets - currently on maternity leave.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- She's called by with her children - Maggie and Griff...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..to see her best friend, Ffion, - who is Boo's owner.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- We've been friends - for about ten years.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- My partner was an usher for them...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..when they got married.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- She and I have been best friends - since we came to live here.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- We do a lot together and - our children are the same age.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- They play together all the time.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- Ffion phones Nel from time to time - for advice about her cats.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22- Very handy!
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Boo was hit by a car - and I had two options.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- Either have her leg amputated or - refer her to somewhere in Chester.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- That would have cost a lot of money.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- So I phoned Nel and she said - she would phone Gwyn...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- ..to see if there were - any other options.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- He said he would do the op - and try to insert a plate.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- But if he couldn't, he said, - he would have to amputate.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- Many cats have to have - a leg amputated...
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- ..and because Boo is only a year and - a half, she would be fine with it.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08- So I said he should try - to put the leg right...
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- ..but if not, - I'd be happy for him to amputate.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- But he's done a very good job.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Everything's okay so far.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- There's a bit of a limp sometimes.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- I think she seems more tired. - She used to be really active.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- She's more tired - than she used to be.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- Perhaps that will improve with time.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- Thanks goodness for Nel's advice!
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- Because of her intervention, - Boo has kept her four legs.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- Before this operation, - I've asked Nel round a few times...
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- ..because I've been worried.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- It's nice to have a vet as a friend.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Let's hope Boo has learned - her lesson...
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- ..and will be more careful when - crossing the road from now on.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Next time on Bywyd y Fet...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- ..John takes a trip - to the London Vet Show.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- I've only ever had experience - of two dogs like this before.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- It was a sausage dog - a Dachshund.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- He managed for two years - with one of these.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- And there's a large robot - in the milking parlour.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- The cow can choose when she comes in - to be milked.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- They can wander around the shed - as they please...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- ..with no-one to bother them.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45- .