The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick

Four-year-old pug and beagle cross Barney is brought into Fitzpatrick Referrals after being hit by a bus. The dog has lost 40 per cent of the bone in the damaged leg, so Noel creates an innovative two-tier treatment, involving an external ankle frame for support. Sisters Rosemary and Diane bring in their five-year-old basset hound Albert when they find he is suddenly unable to move his back legs, and 10-month-old Labrador cross Gylly receives treatment for lameness and an unusual bone deformity.

Golden retriever poodle-cross Suki's front legs have developed abnormally and now require urgent attention as the bones of her forearms are growing at different rates, so Noel decides that major surgery is required. Beloved elderly Labrador Raffa is nearly 11 and has become lame with constant pain in his front legs, and Noel discovers cartilage erosion in both elbows. Meanwhile, five-year-old dachshund Zizi is rushed in after suddenly losing the use of her back legs overnight, and an urgent MRI scan confirms that Zizi has suffered an exploded disc.

A couple bring their 13-month-old cocker spaniel puppy in for scheduled surgery for hip dysplasia which will require two separate full hip replacements. Elsewhere, two-year-old cat Jazz is rushed in by mum Sarah suffering from a smashed femur and shattered thorax after being hit by a car, and eight-year-old dachshund Olive is treated after suddenly losing the use of her back legs.

Noel diagnoses the joint condition osteochondritis dissecans in a hyperactive ridgeback named Loki, and discusses treatment options with his owners. Newfoundland Hugo is referred for his hip dysplasia, but Noel discovers issues with his elbow and knee joints, while Carol and Nigel bring their mischievous seven-month-old Havana kitten Zahra following a mysterious accident at home, which resulted in a broken leg.

An energetic one-year-old bull terrier puppy called Apple comes into the surgery with an ankle problem, and Noel hopes a custom-made, 3D-printed implant may give this beloved pet a new lease of life. He also treats a two-year-old Siamese cat with a broken leg, shattered pelvis and suspected spinal injury after being hit by a van, while four-year-old collie cross Rosco is tested for hip dysplasia.