Super Vets

Series Two

Episode 5

At the Royal Veterinary College, a 7 month old Bichon Frise called Louis has been brought in with an extremely rare heart condition. An abnormal membrane inside his heart means it can’t pump effectively and as a side effect, fluid is building up in his stomach causing it bloat. Top animal heart surgeon Dan Brockman knows cutting edge open heart surgery is Louis’ only chance. But while the operation appears to go well, but just hours later Louis has a massive bleed in his chest and he’s rushed back into surgery…

Over at the college’s horse hospital, Elvis the horse is being examined by vet Justin Perkins. Elvis is struggling to breathe when he runs fast – to find out what’s going on, Justin must take a look down his airways when he’s galloping. Elvis is trained to use the college’s treadmill so Justin can get him running as fast as he can before he puts a special scope down his airway. The images reveal that part of Elvis’ airways collapse inwards when he breathes, stopping air from getting into his lungs and leaving him gasping for breath. The only way to fix the problem is risky surgery. Elvis’ owners have a big decision to make…

Down at London Zoo, Kindi the Diana Monkey is worrying her keeper Jo. She’s noticed Kindi has a large lump on one of her fingers. Kindi’s anaesthetised and brought to the zoo’s hospital for x-rays. Zoo vet Tai Strike is worried the lump could be bone cancer and wants an expert opinion on the results. The x-rays are sent immediately to x-ray specialist Chris Lamb at the Royal veterinary College to be analysed…

Royal Veterinary College Animal Surgeon Dan Brockman cares for Louis after major heart surgery and
Elvis being walked on the treadmill so that his respiratory problems can be monitored

Episode 5 of Series 2 of Supervets was originally broadcast on BBC1
at 7.00pm on Thursday 17 November 2006