Ep 2. Episode 2
- April 27, 2017
In The Supervet season 9 episode 2, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as they follow the cases of several animals in need of the specialist care of veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick.
The episode begins with a young couple, Claire and Kevin, who bring in their beloved Rottweiler, Hooch. The dog has been previously diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, a common condition in large-breed dogs, and Hooch has had several surgeries to correct the issue. But now, the couple is worried that the condition has flared up again, threatening Hooch's mobility and quality of life.
Dr. Fitzpatrick examines Hooch and determines that he needs another surgery, this time a complex procedure known as a total elbow replacement. The surgery is risky, but the couple decides to take the chance in hopes of improving Hooch's quality of life.
Next, attention turns to a challenging case involving a 4-month-old kitten named Rosie. Rosie has a condition called radial agenesis, which means she was born without a radius bone in one of her front legs, leaving her unable to walk normally.
Dr. Fitzpatrick takes X-rays and determines that the best course of action is to amputate the affected leg and attach a prosthetic limb. The surgery is intricate and involves specialized equipment, including a 3D printer that is used to create the prosthetic.
While the surgery is a success, Rosie will require extensive physical therapy to learn how to use her new limb properly. The owners are committed to working with Rosie to help her regain mobility, and while there will be challenges ahead, Rosie's new lease on life is worth the effort.
Finally, the episode features a heartbreaking case involving a beloved family dog named Sparky, who has developed a herniated disc in his spine. Sparky is in intense pain and struggling to walk, and the family is unsure of what to do.
Dr. Fitzpatrick explains that the best course of action is a complicated spinal surgery, but even with the surgery, there is no guarantee that Sparky will regain full mobility. The family is torn, but ultimately decides to go ahead with the surgery for the chance to give Sparky a better quality of life.
The surgery is risky and takes several hours, but Dr. Fitzpatrick performs it with care and precision. After the surgery, Sparky undergoes extensive physical therapy to rebuild his strength and coordination.
The episode ends with Sparky's emotional reunion with his family, who are overjoyed to see him walking again. The journey has been difficult, but the reward is seeing Sparky's renewed vitality and happiness.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to personal stories from the pet owners, who give insight into the deep bond between humans and their animal companions. The Supervet season 9 episode 2 is a moving tribute to the power of love, dedication, and specialized expertise in the world of veterinary care.