The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick: Episode 2 (S17EP2 Channel 4 Thursday 28 July 2022)

The brand-new series of The Supervet continues, showcasing the extraordinary work of veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and his team at his unique veterinary specialist practice. Beloved fluff monster Kylo, a 10-month-old rough collie, who’s suffering from serious leg deformities, arrives at Fitzpatricks for the second time with the McGann family.

During his first consultation, Noel described the problem as the ‘bow string’ effect, where the ulna stops growing and the radius continues to grow, which in Kylo’s case has resulted in antebrachial growth deformity – a severe deformity causing significant pain due to the elbow and wrist (carpal) joints not fitting or working properly. Kylo’s family are keen to explore their options, which include the possibility of surgery.

Due to the complexity of Kylo’s deformities, exacerbated by osteoarthritis of his joints, Noel seeks the perspective of an ethics review panel. If the panel agrees, Noel feels that creating custom cutting guides and plates of a brand-new design, made uniquely for Kylo, is likely superior to off-the-shelf options.

Initially, both procedures are carried out successfully, but six weeks after his eventual discharge, Kylo deteriorates and is rushed back to Noel by the distressed McGann family. The stakes could not be higher.

Meanwhile, mums Karen and Eleanor have returned for a second visit to Noel with their adorable young golden retriever pup, Sasha, referred by their own vet because a deformed front left foot has left her without properly developed toes, and her struggles are increasing the more she grows.

X-ray imaging has already revealed that the deformity is genetic: Sasha was born with a foot deformity and her metacarpal bones are now digging into her main paw pad. Noel discusses possible options that could give Sasha a good chance of achieving a pain-free functional quality of life, including a complex surgical procedure, a less invasive solution, and a custom-made ‘don and doff’ stump socket prosthesis, which can be manually managed day to day.

Prods/Dirs: Leon Dean, David Harris; Series Prod/Dir: Freddie Foss-Smith; Exec Prods: Alex Sutherland, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick; Prod Co: Blast! Films

Airdate: Thursday 28 July 2022 at 20:00 on Channel 4

Season 17 Episode 2

Noel Fitzpatrick runs one of the most advanced veterinary practices in Britain and is known as the Bionic Vet. Some of the hardest-to-cure pets from across the country receive cutting-edge treatments and surgery here, from a team of over a hundred surgeons, nurses, ward attendants and physiotherapists. This series follows Noel and his team as they use their pioneering techniques to attempt to cure pets that might otherwise be beyond saving.