THE Supervet fans were left in tears as Dr Noel Fitzpatrick bid a fond farewell ahead of the final episode of the beloved series.
Millions have tuned in to watch Dr Noel and his team attempt to care for animals suffering from painful or un-diagnosed conditions.
The 55-year-old veterinary surgeon uses innovative techniques to treat serious ailments.
Now in its 19th series, the popular Channel 4 show aired the last episode on Thursday night and viewers found it a real tear-jerker.
Fans were gripped as Caucasian Shepherd Dog Odin was presented to Dr Noel with “wobblers syndrome” – a painful condition caused by malformed veterbrae in his neck, which were compressing his spinal cord.
Odin was having trouble walking, so Dr Noel came up with a surgical answer involving fusing his neck with custom-made titanium spacers.
Elsewhere, Dr Noel met Malamute/Husky Cross rescue Maya, who was hit by a train when she was three-years-old, causing her to lose one of her front feet.
Four years on, Maya is having trouble walking and so Dr Noel worked with a colleague to create a prosthetic foot for her, while the owners of toy poodle Monty sought help after he suffered a damaged hip joint when a larger dog jumped on him.
Posting on social media on Thursday, Noel wrote: “Final episode of Series 19 of #Supervet on tonight on @Channel4 at 8pm. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support, everyone involved in the making of the show hopes you enjoy x”.
Fans were sad to hear the final episode had arrived so soon and urged producers to bring it back again.
One wrote: “Another emotional episode – Noel there should be more veterinary and human surgeons like you prepared to push the boundaries for their patients.”
Another said: “Beautiful dogs, relieved owners and happy endings. Really have enjoyed all the series but only one complaint – it wasn’t long enough. Noel, hope to see you back on our screens soon.”
A third posted: “Such amazing work, giving pets a chance to survive. Will look forward to the next one. Please don’t leave it too long!”
The Supervet first aired in 2014 and follows Noel and his team at Fitzpatrick Referrals in Eashing, Surrey.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Surrey for the advancement of animal health and is a Guinness World Record hold for operating on Oscar the cat, the first animal in the world to receive two bionic leg implants.
By Marsha O'Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
The Supervet is available to watch on All4.
