0:00:02 > 0:00:05Britain's animals are under threat.
0:00:05 > 0:00:11All too often, our wildlife and domestic pets are the victims of cruelty, persecution and neglect.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Fighting to save them is a dedicated band of people
0:00:14 > 0:00:18trying to protect and care for them right around the clock.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20This is Animal 24:7.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39'Today on Animal 24:7, a horse needs help.
0:00:39 > 0:00:45- There's something very wrong here. - 'And she needs it urgently.' - She's dropping before our eyes.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50'I'm with worried owners at the animal hospital where one dog didn't spit the dummy.'
0:00:50 > 0:00:56What I can feel in here is quite an obvious firm mass which would fit in the history of her eating a dummy.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59'And high drama.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Oh! Don't go that way!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03'A cat proves hard to catch.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Come on, Bobby, you silly cat!
0:01:12 > 0:01:16The problem of abandoned horses is a growing one in the UK.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21Charities like World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA are receiving more and more calls every year
0:01:21 > 0:01:26about horses and ponies left to fend for themselves.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30And many of them are in desperate need of veterinary care.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38'In Hertfordshire, this horse has been dumped in a field.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43'The local traveller community owns the other animals here.
0:01:44 > 0:01:51'They suspect the abandoned mare is not well and they've called RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher.'
0:01:53 > 0:01:57From what they're saying on the call, it's lethargic
0:01:57 > 0:02:02and it's got a lot of sunburn. They're worried that it might have something contagious.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05They've got horses of their own in there.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10'Mel is joined by Nick White from World Horse Welfare.'
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Let's go and have a look.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18'They spend a few minutes trying to identify the horse.'
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Easy now. Easy, easy.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- The red headstall one. - That was the first one we saw, with its head in the nettles.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32But if that is the case, then it didn't look badly sunburnt at all.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Hopefully there's nothing wrong with it. Let's go and have a look.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41'Nick approaches carefully, mindful that the horse might be nervous.'
0:02:43 > 0:02:48All of us descending on it, means it's running round the field and getting het up.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Thankfully, Nick's managed to grab hold of the head collar.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57So we'll have a look at it and see if there's anything wrong with it that needs vet treatment.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03'Nick is already sure that the mare will need to see a vet.'
0:03:05 > 0:03:08This looks like a sick horse to me, Mel.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- It's really lethargic.- It's very unusual behaviour patterns.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Got its head in the bushes like that.- Hello, sweetie.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20She wasn't easy to catch to start with.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25She ran off and then almost as if she was disorientated, she ran towards me.
0:03:25 > 0:03:33Now I've caught her and I've got my hands on her body, I can feel all her ribs.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I can feel her spine and her hips.
0:03:36 > 0:03:43And I can also see some kind of dermatitis or possibly rain scold on the side of her shoulders.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45So I have got concerns for her.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50'Mel is straight on to the vets.'
0:03:50 > 0:03:55It's just really quiet. I'm wondering whether anybody's available to have a look.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00'They're becoming increasingly concerned about this mare, who they've called Lyla.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Now she's standing, she looks really plain.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08She's not moving, she's not interested.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13Although looking at her from a distance, you think there's not much wrong with her,
0:04:13 > 0:04:17but up close, she's swaying on her feet. She seems really weak.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Come on, poppet.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24'Vet Gonzalo Esteves arrives.'
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Hi, Gonzalo. Good to see you. How are you?
0:04:27 > 0:04:31'The police are here too. If Gonzalo confirms that Lyla is suffering,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35'they'll need to give permission for the RSPCA to seize her.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40'Gonzalo starts with some routine checks.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- Any droppings at all for her? - She's swaying. She's been swaying.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51'And he's alarmed when he sees Lyla's foaming at the mouth.'
0:04:51 > 0:04:55I need to have a good look in this mouth. There's something very wrong here.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01'There's no doubt Lyla will need to be taken away for treatment.'
0:05:01 > 0:05:05What's your initial impressions, in case we need to sort of think about moving her on?
0:05:05 > 0:05:11- This mare can't stay here. - Brilliant. We can start making phone calls and organise transporting.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17'She's in an even worse condition than Mel and Nick had feared.'
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- Her temperature's too low.- OK. - And I need to try to understand
0:05:22 > 0:05:27the origin of this excessive salivation and foam in her mouth.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29She's also extremely congested.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And her heart rate is too high. It's abnormal.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- I need to try to understand why.- OK.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40'Mel is already dreading the worst.'
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Before, we were thinking she might just have a bit of liver damage,
0:05:45 > 0:05:50but you can see she's dropping before our eyes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54It depends what the vet says. We might have to put her out of her misery.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56She might be suffering too far gone.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01I can't believe how quickly she's deteriorating. I'm hoping that's not the case,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05but it's really not looking good for her at all.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Still to come... - There's a big foal inside.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18There's more than one life hanging in the balance.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22This mare is in trouble to carry on with the pregnancy in this condition.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26And the cat that really should have had a better game plan.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30It's named after Sir Bobby Robson. She's a Geordie.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38When animals fall ill, it can be for a whole host of reasons.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42And when they do, the RSPCA are often called in to help.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48Their biggest veterinary hospital is here in Manchester, handling around 30,000 cases every year.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Some are routine, but others are real emergencies.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59'It's a typically busy day at the centre and ailing pets fill the waiting room.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04'Among the worried owners is Linda Smart, whose Rottweiler puppy
0:07:04 > 0:07:09'has been limping since an accident in the park yesterday afternoon.'
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- This is Axl.- What's up with him?
0:07:12 > 0:07:17He was playing on the field with his brother and they collided. I think he's broken his leg.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Even seeing him sitting there,
0:07:19 > 0:07:26- he doesn't seem to be holding it naturally.- He won't use it whatsoever. He just hops.- Right.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30It's too tender, I think, for him to even think about using it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36'So Linda has to carry poor Axl in to see vet Dave Yates.'
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- Straight on to the table. - Do you want me to hold him?
0:07:39 > 0:07:45If we can do, yeah. As I lift him up, are you all right to support some of his weight?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50We'll just feel around and I don't want to hurt him,
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- obviously, but we've got to find out where the pain is. - It's mainly on the curve.- OK.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59'Dave soon has a good idea what's wrong with Axl.'
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Yeah. He's damaged his knee.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06He's damaged what's called the tibial crest.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Because he's a growing dog, he's got what's called a growth plate,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12a sensitive bit of the bone there.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16This one on the left back leg is nice and tight and there's no swelling.
0:08:16 > 0:08:21On the affected leg, this tendon is quite floppy.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- You can see the swelling as well. - Yeah.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27What we'll do is we'll sedate him and take some X-rays.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32'Dave thinks Axl's leg is broken.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35'The X-rays will confirm the seriousness of the break.'
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- You seem a bit worried about leaving him for his sedation.- I know.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I've never left him since he were a pup.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45It'll be the first time.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52'But Linda knows that to get Axl back to his best, they've got to get the diagnosis right.'
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Well done!
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Well done!
0:08:56 > 0:08:59'Axl is given a sedative and is soon out for the count.'
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- We'll see you in a bit then. Cheers.- Thank you.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12'As Linda waits anxiously, he's rushed through for his X-ray.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16'But before long, the results are in.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19'And unfortunately, it's not a straightforward break.'
0:09:19 > 0:09:23This X-ray shows your dog's knee, side on.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27This is the affected leg and we can see this flap of bone has been lifted.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30That's where the fracture's happened.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33What does that mean for Axl and for Linda?
0:09:33 > 0:09:37This is a bit of a problem. You've got a large breed of dog there.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43And it's a young dog. It's still going to grow. Its joints are going to carry a lot of weight.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49I think you're probably best getting an opinion off a specialist to see what they can do.
0:09:52 > 0:09:58'This is not the simple diagnosis Linda was hoping for, and a specialist could be expensive.'
0:09:58 > 0:10:04- I think you're looking at something in the region of £1,000 to £1,500 for surgery, possibly.- Right.
0:10:04 > 0:10:11But over the lifetime of a dog, preventing it getting arthritis, it's a worthwhile investment.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13What do you think about that?
0:10:13 > 0:10:18I was hoping they'd be able to do something, but it's going to have to be done, isn't it?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- It's a fairly large sum.- It is.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23How difficult is that going to be to find?
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I'll probably have to ask my friends.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30'It's a lot of money, but without specialist care,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32'Axl could have lifelong problems.
0:10:32 > 0:10:38'Linda is determined to get him fixed. This broken Axl should soon be on the road to recovery.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45'Elsewhere in the hospital,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48'11-month-old Tia is being prepped for possible surgery.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55'Owners Leanne James and daughter Ellie suspect that she's swallowed the teat from a baby's dummy.'
0:10:55 > 0:11:01I'm scared. The lady at the desk said they'll probably keep her in to operate, if it is stuck.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I just hope it's something simple and not too complicated.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10'Tia's been vomiting and has now stopped eating.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16'Senior clinician Rachel Watkinson looks for evidence of anything lodged in her gut.'
0:11:16 > 0:11:21I'm just having a feel to see if I can feel any abnormalities within the intestine,
0:11:21 > 0:11:27especially looking for any lumps and bumps, and what I'm feeling here at the moment
0:11:27 > 0:11:32is quite an obvious localised firm mass, likely within the intestine,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35which would fit right in with the history of her eating a dummy.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I think that's what I'm feeling there.
0:11:38 > 0:11:44'The owner's suspicions appear well founded and they've done well to bring Tia in so quickly.'
0:11:44 > 0:11:48If she was left untreated, the teat would obstruct the bowel
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and it causes damage to the blood supply,
0:11:51 > 0:11:55so the bowel can actually die off, rupture and cause peritonitis.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00'Rachel decides to act right away and the team prepares to operate.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05'With anaesthetic, there's always a risk to the animal, so they're keen to move quickly.'
0:12:05 > 0:12:08We're just dissecting straight into the abdomen here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10We've got to go through the skin layer first
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and there's a little bit of fat on her.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Not much, she's quite lean.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19'It's a messy job, but Rachel needs to get to the cause of Tia's trouble.'
0:12:19 > 0:12:22There's a bit of spleen in the way there.
0:12:22 > 0:12:30I'm going to have a feel with my finger, just to see if I can locate the foreign body.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31There it is.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38'This unsightly bulge in the bowel is a bit of a giveaway.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40'By carefully cutting it open,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44'Rachel is finally able to remove the troublesome teat.'
0:12:44 > 0:12:50It's all come out in one piece, nice and easily. So that's good.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56We just need to close the bowel back up now where we've made the incision.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59'The operation itself has been a success,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03'but Tia is not out of the woods yet.'
0:13:03 > 0:13:07The next 48 to 72 hours will be quite critical
0:13:07 > 0:13:10to see how well she does, following the surgery.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14She'll need to stay in for at least 48 hours.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19'As Tia's left to come round, her owners will have to keep their fingers crossed
0:13:19 > 0:13:21'that she's able to make a full recovery.'
0:13:27 > 0:13:33'Still to come, I oversee some not so demanding dentistry.'
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- Oh! I can't believe how easily that came out.- Hmm, yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43'And vets face up to the most difficult decision with Lyla the horse.'
0:13:43 > 0:13:47I'm worried that she doesn't appear to have any sight. That's not great news for her.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56The RSPCA respond to around 2,500 calls every week,
0:13:56 > 0:14:01but some emergencies are just too tricky for their officers to deal with.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05When that happens, it's important they can call for back-up.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13'In York, Monty the cat is missing his brother.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17'Bobby has not been seen since leaving home two days ago.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'But last night, he was finally found at the bottom of the garden.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28'Unfortunately, at the top of a tree.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31'Bobby's sense of adventure has landed him in a tight spot,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35'stuck some 30ft off the ground.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40'RSPCA trainee inspector Keira Wyn arrives to see
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'if she can coax him down and reunite the separated siblings.'
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Are you aware of where this cat is? - Yeah.- Can you show us where?- Yeah.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Fantastic. Cheers.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54'Helen Turner is a friend of Bobby's owner, and she's offered to join the rescue mission.'
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Where is he?
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Oh, you silly cat!- I know.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- He's not moved from that spot for ages.- Right, OK.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06So he's got himself up there for whatever reason, then can't get down.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10It's probably cos it was so sunny, he was having a nice time and then realised...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Chasing birds.- ..actually, I'm really hungry.- You're not a cat!
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Attempts to bribe him down have failed and, with a beck at the base of the tree,
0:15:17 > 0:15:22Kira doesn't fancy her chances of reaching Bobby without some help.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Bobby has probably been without food or water for two days,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28so it's an emergency that Kira can't tackle alone.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30It's going to be a fire brigade job, I think.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32I know, it's so difficult to...
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I'll give them a bell, anyway, and we'll go from there, I think.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39It's Kira from the RSPCA.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I've got a cat that's stuck up a rather precarious-looking tree.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It's a good 20-30 foot.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47BOBBY MEWS
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Bobby.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's been there since Saturday.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56The fire service won't help unless a cat's been stuck for more than 24 hours.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58You naughty cat!
0:15:58 > 0:16:01As Bobby spent the whole weekend up here, they will go out on a limb.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02They're on their way.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Cats were born to climb, but unfortunately they weren't born
0:16:06 > 0:16:11very well to come back down again - especially if it's a vertical drop.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15They're not happy about going forwards. They would rather take it down nicely
0:16:15 > 0:16:18and calmly rather than it falling out of the tree.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Before long, the cavalry arrives.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28Their mission is to reach the stranded, weakened cat before he falls from his perch.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- You see it?- Oh, yeah. What's his name?- Bobby.- Bobby.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- It's named after Sir Bobby Robson. She's a Geordie.- Oh, right!
0:16:37 > 0:16:40After working out their tactics and formation,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42the crew prepares to make a grab for Bobby.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Hi, sweetie. - It sounds a simple task...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Here, Bobby- ...but as the fireman edges forward...
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- It's all right. - Oh, Bob! Come on, then!
0:16:52 > 0:16:56..Bobby seems in no mood to be rescued.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59Just give him a chance to think about it first.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I think he's a bit frightened of everything that's going on.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07He's just sort of letting us know he's a bit worried.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10But hopefully, once he acclimatises to the fact that somebody's there,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13he should reach out and come down to us. Fingers crossed.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Bobby! CLICKS TONGUE
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Come on, sweet pea.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23But just as the fireman gets within touching distance...
0:17:23 > 0:17:28Ooh, no, don't do that. Oh, don't go that way.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32..Bobby decides he's had enough, and makes his move.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- Oh, don't go that way.- Frightened Bobby has scrambled out of reach...
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- Oh, Bobby! - Come on, Bobby, you silly cat!
0:17:42 > 0:17:44..and into greater danger.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- In the thinner branches, it looks like he's struggling.- Bobby!
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Thankfully, Bobby just manages to regain his balance.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55He's gone into the part of the tree that's too far away
0:17:55 > 0:17:57from the firefighter, so...
0:17:57 > 0:18:03we're just sort of a cat-and-mouse game at the moment, pardon the pun!
0:18:04 > 0:18:06It's time for a rethink.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10The new plan is to bring the whole branch down with Bobby in it!
0:18:10 > 0:18:12If we can bring him down to our level,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16either he'll jump to the floor or come to us, so fingers crossed.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19It's time to bring out the power tools.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23And with this heavy-duty kit,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26the crew should make short work of the branch.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Despite the racket, Bobby holds his nerve and this time stays put.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33That's it.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37The crew begin to lower the branch,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40careful not to spill the precious cargo...
0:18:40 > 0:18:45Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Let him settle himself. Right, go.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48..until, finally, poor Bobby is just about in Kira's reach.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Just grab his neck now, grab his neck.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58I've got him.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00I've got him.
0:19:00 > 0:19:01BOBBY MEWS
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Oh, sweetie pie!- Bobby sounds relieved to be back down to earth.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08All right, darling. All right.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10But after a whole weekend clinging on for dear life,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13he's hard to prise away from his perch.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Let go, Bobby.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Eventually...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25We got him!
0:19:26 > 0:19:30..thanks to Kira and the crew, Bobby is finally back on terra firma.
0:19:30 > 0:19:36- Thanks very much.- Ohh!- Mr Man! Silly boy.- You naughty boy!
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- At least he's down now. - Well done. Thank you.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Thank you very much, guys. Fantastic.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43With the job done,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Kira gets Bobby back for a reunion with his sensible sibling.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Come on, Bobby, let's get you in, love.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57Now then, Monty, look who we found. Eh?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Who's this, then? Oh!
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Oh, here he is, look. Let's have just a general check.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Checking for any scuffs or bumps.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12He says, "Actually, I'm fine, I just want to get out."
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Despite everything he's been through,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Bobby has come away pretty much unscathed.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20I'm really pleased with that outcome.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22I did think at one point we weren't going to do well,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26especially when he jumped from one side of the tree to the other,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29but I think the idea of chopping the tree down worked,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32cos it kept him stable and he came down without too much trauma,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34so really pleased that he's unscathed
0:20:34 > 0:20:38and he's back home, where he belongs, with his brother.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Little Monty over there. So, fingers crossed, he won't do it again.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56Still to come, Tia's no dummy, but can she go home?
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Oh, yeah, we've all missed her. Kids have missed her a lot.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02They're waiting at home now to get her.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Now, back to the story of Lila,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11the mare who's been abandoned in Hertfordshire.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15A vet has confirmed that she is very ill.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18And now it's a question of what's actually wrong with her
0:21:18 > 0:21:21and what are the chances of her making a full recovery.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Lila has been dumped in this field...
0:21:31 > 0:21:35..found by local travellers who keep their own horses here.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher has discovered that Lila's
0:21:41 > 0:21:43not only unwanted but unwell.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48She's really rocking backwards and forwards. The vet's not happy at all.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54She's hypothermic, she's got a rapid pulse, she's foaming at the mouth.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58For her to deteriorate this quickly, it's not looking good at all.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02The vet examining Lila is Gonzalo Estevez.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08He's just realised that there's more than one life hanging in the balance.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11She's pregnant.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13There's a big foal inside.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17This foal is surely over seven months of pregnancy...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20..and is alive.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25But this isn't necessarily good news.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30This mare is in trouble to carry on with the pregnancy in this condition.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33And, although Lila's pregnant,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36it appears she's not been enjoying the easy life.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42This mare also has extensive marks inside her stifles.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44It's relatively fresh.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49And here, as well, which are usually caused by pulling carts.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51This is a common injury.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56It seems somebody has worked Lila until she could work no more.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59They're quite recent.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02There's fluid under the skin, those abrasions are very extensive.
0:23:02 > 0:23:08The udder is already starting to grow and to develop some...possibly wax
0:23:08 > 0:23:11as you see on the tip of the teat,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- which means that foaling date is approaching.- Yes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18So we need to be a bit careful with this mare.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22And, although the foal could be due soon, Gonzalo's not optimistic.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27I think it's very likely she would lose the foal,
0:23:27 > 0:23:34even if she gave birth, she's not in the condition to raise or feed it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37There's no time to waste.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40This mare needs to be taken off the field immediately.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43With the vet's strong recommendation,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47the police can give the RSPCA permission to seize the horse.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51It's a case of you doing the formal process of taking her into possession
0:23:51 > 0:23:54under the Animal Welfare Act, doing a quick statement
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- saying that.- Absolutely no problem.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01Before Lila's journey, Gonzalo takes some blood samples.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06He also gives her painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Hello, sweetie.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Then, Nick White from the charity World Horse Welfare ID-tags her
0:24:12 > 0:24:14with Mel's initials...
0:24:16 > 0:24:19..before making sure she's fed and watered.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22She has to have a drink and she has to have something to eat
0:24:22 > 0:24:25to sustain her, so she doesn't collapse on the journey.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Now it's time for Lila to make that journey.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Come on, good girl.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Gently does it. Come on.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Come on, then.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Her condition means the long trip to World Horse Welfare stables
0:24:40 > 0:24:43in Norfolk is out of the question.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53Instead, she's taken to the Royal Veterinary College in nearby Potters Bar.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Here, Lila will receive the round-the-clock care
0:25:00 > 0:25:03that she and her unborn foal desperately need.
0:25:05 > 0:25:11Her poor coordination and swaying immediately concerns vet Andy Fisk.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16He suspects it might be down to a problem with her eyesight.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23It may well be that signs we're seeing are a product of her not being able to see when she places a limb.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27If you walk and couldn't see, you'd be a bit sort of feeling your way.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Andy tests her menace reflex, which confirms his fears.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I'm just going as if I'm going to poke her
0:25:36 > 0:25:40and, normally, anyone else, you just blink.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44And she's not, which can happen if they're incredibly depressed,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46but normally they will blink.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50I'm worried by the fact she doesn't appear to have any sight.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54If that's a permanent effect, then that's not great news for her.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55She's a young horse, you know.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58This can be a temporary affliction,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01so we'll give her the benefit of the doubt for the moment.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Especially given that there's a lot of questions still unanswered.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10But as the blood results come in, the picture becomes clearer.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15Our first concerns are she's got
0:26:15 > 0:26:21neurological signs associated with liver damage.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26The first line of treatment with that will be to give her fluids as well,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28make her feel a bit better.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31And then we'll have a closer look at some other parameters
0:26:31 > 0:26:34before we decide on further treatment.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40An ultrasound scan confirms Andy's concerns about Lila's liver.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46The liver looks small to me, which is not a good thing.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52It also gives him a chance to look at the foal.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56This is the heartbeat just here, of the foal.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58For it to survive,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Lila needs to start showing signs of improvement - and quickly.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09The next 24-48 hours will be critical.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Over the next 24 hours, we'll get a lot of information about
0:27:13 > 0:27:16whether it's something that it's going to leave her with
0:27:16 > 0:27:20enough liver function to be able to recover from
0:27:20 > 0:27:23and be able to lead a normal life after that.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28So long as the mare recovers and doesn't continue to go downhill,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I suspect the foal - I hope the foal will be OK,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34but we'll have to reverse the trend with her,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37which will be the first challenge.
0:27:37 > 0:27:43The big concern is that the pregnancy is affecting Lila's chances of survival.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It's quite a drain on her,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48so it makes it doubly hard to bring her back.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Even if she didn't have the foal,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54it would still be a very challenging case to bring her round.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Still to come, why did the RSPCA inspector cross the road?
0:28:06 > 0:28:10There's a bit of light relief for Mel.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Oi! Oh, that was so close!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Now we're heading back to the RSPCA hospital in Manchester where,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24earlier, I witnessed a typically busy day.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26For many of the owners in the waiting room,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29it's a particularly worrying time,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31as a pet is often part of the family.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41As always, it's busy and bustling at the hospital.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Ernie Gilbert has brought in his Yorkshire terrier, Jude,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48who's got a problem with her teeth, and has stopped eating.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Gilbert with Jude.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54As vet Dave Yates begins his examination,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57he sees that Jude doesn't have many teeth left!
0:28:57 > 0:29:02- I put my finger in this morning and she bit me.- Did she?- Yeah.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I don't think she can do much damage with about three or four teeth.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- No, no.- She's got a tooth at the back with a lot of tarter on it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15- Oh, right.- Let me listen to her chest. How old is she now?
0:29:15 > 0:29:20She's 12, I'd say. Don't know her exact age - she was a stray.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25Jude's also got thick cataracts and doesn't seem too steady on her feet.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29In common with a lot of Yorkies,
0:29:29 > 0:29:31she's got a problem with the kneecaps.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33They're slipping out of place,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35so she's got arthritis in both her back legs.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- Join the clan!- Yeah!
0:29:38 > 0:29:41So she's a geriatric with a lot of age-related problems.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47But the most pressing problem is her teeth,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49which may have stopped Jude from eating.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53Records show she's lost a lot of weight since her last visit.
0:29:53 > 0:29:552.3.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59For Dave to have a closer look at them, he'll need to sedate her.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01But with Jude's long list of ailments,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04he's concerned that there's a bigger issue to address.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09When owners bring older animals in, each time we knock them out and try
0:30:09 > 0:30:13and get them to think about what kind of quality of life the dog's having.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16You know, is your dog enjoying the day when it gets up?
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Is it eating and playful and interacting?- Oh, yes.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- Or is it sleeping all the time? - Doesn't sleep all the time.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25In the course of eight hours, she'll probably have
0:30:25 > 0:30:28about three hour's sleep in that eight-hour period.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Right.- And she'll sleep right through the night
0:30:30 > 0:30:32until about 6.00 or 6.30 in the morning.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Ernie is adamant that Jude has a good quality of life
0:30:39 > 0:30:41and isn't ready to part with her,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44so Dave will concentrate on relieving her symptoms.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47We'll sedate her and we'll see what we can find and gently scrape
0:30:47 > 0:30:50some of the tartar off and hopefully make her more comfortable.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58As Dave prepares the sedative, Ernie tries to comfort his old friend.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03We'll get you sorted out, eh, Jude?
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- Hopefully.- Hopefully, yeah.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07I think Dave's being as sensitive as he could,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11but there was a serious question behind all that, wasn't there?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Yeah, there was.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17But the wife doesn't want to part with her at all.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18Well, I don't meself basically.
0:31:18 > 0:31:23If we can help her along the way for another couple of months, it's fine.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Ernie's mind is clearly made up, so Dave moves on with sedating Jude.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31All right, all right.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Under closer inspection, it appears Jude doesn't just have bad teeth.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39Her whole jaw is affected, causing them to come loose.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40Can you see how it's moving?
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Just behind her gum there, but the other two actually won't close.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- It bangs into it.- Yeah, yeah. - But if you look here.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- Oh, yes. Yeah.- So there's a problem with the lower jaw.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54She'll be in considerable pain then, won't she?
0:31:54 > 0:31:56But she doesn't let you know it.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- We need to be quite careful about this.- Yeah.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02I was hoping to just scale her tooth.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06You know, to scale some of the tartar off the teeth there,
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- but this is quite advanced. - Is it?
0:32:08 > 0:32:12The problem teeth are beyond saving, so they have to be removed.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18Oh! I can't believe how easily they came out.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- Just falling out, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Dave barely has to pull, as tooth after tooth just slides out.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29Now that we've taken out
0:32:29 > 0:32:32the tooth that was problematic, not on this side but on the other,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35we can see that the jaw will open and close
0:32:37 > 0:32:42Small dogs can fare surprisingly well with only a few teeth,
0:32:42 > 0:32:46so for the time being, Jude should be happier.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51Dave will want to see Jude regularly in case she deteriorates, but she should
0:32:51 > 0:32:53be eating again within 24 hours
0:32:53 > 0:32:56and Ernie is clearly delighted.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01Coming round now, Jude? Yeah? Good girl!
0:33:01 > 0:33:03It was a tough session for Dave,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06who knows how hard these decisions are for an owner.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10The decision to put a dog down,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I guess in the end it's never going to be mathematic.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16You're never going to be able to say there's this weight of suffering
0:33:16 > 0:33:19on his side and this weight of life expectation on the other.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22- It's always subjective.- Yeah, it's a highly subjective decision.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26You know, he loves his dog. He clearly loves his dog.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28He wants to hold on to it for as long as he can.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31We've just got to make sure that we're acting on the dog's behalf
0:33:31 > 0:33:34and that we're preserving a reasonable quality of life
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and preventing unnecessary pain and discomfort.
0:33:39 > 0:33:45One pet who should live for a long time yet is Shih Tzu cross Tia.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Rachel Watkinson has successfully removed the teat
0:33:48 > 0:33:50of a dummy from inside her.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53It's all come out in one piece nice and easily,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56so that's good.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01We just need to close the bowel back up now where we've made the incision.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Leanne James and her daughter Ellie
0:34:05 > 0:34:09are hoping she's made a full recovery.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11We've all missed her. The kids have missed her a lot.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15So they're waiting at home now for me to get her, take her home.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Rachel is checking that Tia is good to go.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23She's nice and relaxed there. Everything feels fine.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28- And she's pleased with her recovery. - So Tia's been quite lucky in a way.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Lucky that she's got a diligent owner that picked up the problem
0:34:31 > 0:34:35fairly quickly, so that she's been able to have the surgery
0:34:35 > 0:34:38nice and promptly and we've not seen any complications
0:34:38 > 0:34:41at this stage as a result of her blockage.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43So yes, she's a lucky girl.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47So Tia can be reunited with her family.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- And vet Sergey Guzdev has a bit of advice.- Hello again.- Hello.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57- Here is Tia.- Hello! - Bright and healthy.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59She's eating, drinking all right.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Maybe next time, just make sure,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04if you've got kids, make sure you keep away
0:35:04 > 0:35:07especially socks, tiny things they usually like to chew.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Dummies, small toys and everything.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13But it's quite a good prognosis and she should be fine.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Thanks to Leanne's quick thinking
0:35:17 > 0:35:20and the staff here at the hospital, Tia can now go home
0:35:20 > 0:35:25where hopefully she'll be a bit more picky about what she eats.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Now we're on our way to Hertfordshire, and the story
0:35:37 > 0:35:42of Lyla, the pregnant mare who was abandoned in a terrible condition.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Under police escort,
0:35:44 > 0:35:48RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher took her to the Royal Veterinary College
0:35:48 > 0:35:52in Potter's Bar, where she was fighting for her life.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Lyla was found in a field -
0:36:00 > 0:36:03unwanted, unwell and pregnant.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07There's a big foal inside and he's alive.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10The vet Gonzalo Estevez suspected
0:36:10 > 0:36:12that despite her condition, she'd been overworked.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18This mare also has extensive marks inside her stifles,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20which are usually caused by pulling carts.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23At the Royal Veterinary College,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27the damage caused by this cruelty and neglect became clear.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Our first concerns are she's got neurological signs
0:36:32 > 0:36:35associated with liver damage.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38I'm worried she doesn't appear to have any sight.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Lyla and her unborn foal didn't survive.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Unfortunately, she was extremely weak, extremely ill
0:36:50 > 0:36:52and the liver test results came back
0:36:52 > 0:36:55to say that she had chronic liver failure.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00It was thought that the best decision was to unfortunately
0:37:00 > 0:37:04put her to sleep on humane grounds, which is a real shame.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08You just never get used to it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Everybody involved was extremely upset.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15But we all knew it was the only decision that was fair to Lyla.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Thankfully for Mel, some jobs aren't a matter of life and death.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34I've just had a call to go and collect a stray cockerel.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37It could prove quite difficult. If there's nothing wrong with it,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40then I'm guessing it's not really going to want me coming along
0:37:40 > 0:37:44and trying to catch it. So this could be quite entertaining.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50The cockerel call came from Courtney Perlmutter
0:37:50 > 0:37:52and her friend, Sophie Alderton.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Courtney spotted him outside her house in St Albans.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01I looked out the window and I saw this chicken.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04I couldn't believe my eyes! It's so weird, just this chicken.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08And although the cockerel crossing the road sounds like the start
0:38:08 > 0:38:11of a joke, he does need to be caught for his own good.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- He's been here well over a week now. - Yeah.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- And he hasn't eaten for the whole time he's been here.- No.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- He's so skinny.- He's been pecking at the leaves.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22It's not a very nice diet, I don't think, for a chicken.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- Hello!- BOTH: Hiya.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30How are you? I believe you've got a chicken?
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Our chicken is in the tree.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- We put some food down and he'll just come down.- OK, right.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- But he's just gone up. - Lovely, I'll go and get my net.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44It's fair to say, Mel isn't feeling overly game for this challenge.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49What to do?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52It's in a tree and I've got a net that loves being
0:38:52 > 0:38:55caught on tree branches, so I'll see how that works.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58It just depends how mobile the chicken is
0:38:58 > 0:39:01and how fast I can possibly run.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03So wish me luck!
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Plan A - smooth talking.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Hello, chicken!
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Come on, then. Don't go too high!
0:39:13 > 0:39:15COCKEREL CLUCKS
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Come on, then!
0:39:16 > 0:39:21And she's off to a flyer.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22Aha! We're on the floor.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26But it's a bit too soon to be cocky.
0:39:26 > 0:39:31She's managed to find all the nice bushes to hide in.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Time for the chicken run. - Come on, then.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38Ah!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Look at the cat watching!
0:39:43 > 0:39:47The nosey cat would probably find this an easier chase.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49She's coming, she's coming, she's there!
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Oi! Ah, that was so close!
0:39:53 > 0:39:55So many near misses.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Plan B - new tackle for the bush trial.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01It's obviously highly mobile.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05So I've got a huge walk-towards net, which we use to catch deer.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Sorry, I'm just getting rid of brambles.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10So I'll string that along the hedge
0:40:10 > 0:40:14Courtney's mum and a neighbour have now joined in the fun.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18If we can run it along so it basically hems the bird in.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Right.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Er, anyone for tennis?
0:40:24 > 0:40:28I'll go in and make a nuisance, and you close up the hole behind me.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Hopefully she'll come out.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Are we all ready? - ALL: Yeah.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- It's coming out.- Quick! - Have we got it?
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Game, set and match to Mel and the girls.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Brilliant! Well done, you!
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Do you want a job?
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Well done, everybody.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Definitely a joint job there, I think.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Couldn't have done it without you.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58As an exhausted Mel already suspected,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00the cockerel seems in good shape.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04You don't seem to have any injuries, do you?
0:41:04 > 0:41:05Which is good news.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12All he needs is a new home and a hearty meal.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Mel takes him to a small farm, owned by Brenda Sheriff.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29After you.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32The RSPCA often use it when they find stray animals.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41Right then. Welcome to your new home!
0:41:41 > 0:41:44The cockerel might find that outrunning his new flatmate
0:41:44 > 0:41:46isn't as easy as giving Mel the slip.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51He's got a new friend, a rabbit, for the next week or so.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55This is just while he acclimatises before joining the other birds.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Smashing! Looks like he might be here to stay.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- He'll join the rest of them, won't he?- Yeah.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06He'll have a happy retirement.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11And although this cockerel didn't exactly come quietly,
0:42:11 > 0:42:13he's already making himself at home.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17He couldn't have stayed where he was.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20He was in the middle of a residential address,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22there's a busy train line behind it
0:42:22 > 0:42:24and there's tons of foxes round here.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26At least here, he's safe and secure,
0:42:26 > 0:42:30and if no-one comes forward, then he'll just stay here
0:42:30 > 0:42:34and live out the rest of his days with the rest of the flock.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43If you think you know of a case of wildlife crime
0:42:43 > 0:42:46or a creature that needs immediate protection,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49remember there are dedicated professionals out there
0:42:49 > 0:42:52who will answer your call right around the clock.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55They are the people we meet on Animal 24:7.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd