Thurso vet receptionist faces her fears as practice takes on exotic patient
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Local vet David Mackay turns midwife in tonight's episode of hit documentary series – The Highland Vet.
There is excitement in the air at the small animal wing of DS McGregor & Partners in Thurso when giddy owner Kirsten arrives with her dad Derek and their two border terriers. There is real hope that Daisy and Teddy will soon have a litter of puppies.
Vet William Campbell is on duty in the large animal wing of the practice and as the day draws to a close, local crofter Jim arrives with a lamb that has a suspected broken leg. Emergency treatment is required and then there is a nervous wait to see if she can make a fully recover.
Another animal needs a veterinary leg up too – vet Tom Southall heads to a farm seven miles from the practice when the owners of Lily, a 20-year-old Clydesdale, notice she has become lame. Tom needs to exercise extreme caution as the 900kg horse resists his hands on help.
Young William and mum Kelli have struggled to find somebody to give veterinary care to their seven-year-old corn snake, Silence. But practice director Guy Gordon is more than happy to take on the new, exotic patient. Less eager is receptionist Alison who has a massive snake phobia but then decides today is the day to overcome her fears.
And vet Shondie Maclean turns dentist when eight-year-old Ola, the West Highland terrier, makes a nervous appearance at the practice. Ola’s not a fan of the vets but needs urgent dental work and the team go about calming her before attempting to deal with her messy pegs.
The Highland Vet is a new documentary series set at the most northern mainland vet practice in Britain. Filmed across winter and early spring in locations often remote and challenging, it features the dedicated team - vets, vet nurses and staff members - from DS McGregor & Partners mixed vet practices in Thurso and Wick as they work hard, around the clock to help farm animals, horses, domestic pets and wildlife.
The Highland Vet is on Monday at 9pm on 5Select.
