Scottish Vets Down Under

Editorial

A BBC TV channel for Scotland which will broadcast every evening and will show drama, factual, comedy and news programmes made in Scotland

BBC Scotland

Documentaries

Factual: Pets & Animals

Documentary following two Scottish vets who have relocated to Australia.

BBC Scotland HD

Scottish Vets Down Under: Series 1: Episode 2

Episode 2

Series 1

BBC Scotland - Scottish Vets Down Under, Series 1, Episode 2

The vets take on venomous snakes and treat a foal that’s started life on the wrong hoof.

Dr Chris treats a deadly patient, while two cats struggle with venomous snake bites. Dr Mike helps a foal with an underdeveloped leg. And the two vets take on a wild swarm of bees.

It's springtime in this episode, which brings out some of Australia’s deadliest creatures. Snake catcher Chris Page has found an injured red-bellied black snake, a venomous reptile unique to Australia. Despite being dangerous, this one has come off second best to a grass trimmer.

This is just the first of several snake-related injuries as, overnight, a pet cat is brought in showing symptoms of a snake bite. Calvin was found hiding under a bed with paralysed back legs and the family’s quick actions mean lifesaving anti venom can be administered promptly - but this beloved feline isn’t out of danger yet and needs to be monitored closely for the next 24 hours.

As midday temperatures reach the mid 30s, the animal hospital receives a call about a cat in respiratory distress. It’s suspected four-year-old tabby Hope has been bitten by a brown snake - the world’s second most venomous serpent. It’s the third snake bite in 24 hours, with the warm weather making them more active and aggressive. After a long winter of resting, they have built up a high volume of venom, and family pets are easy targets.

Meanwhile, at the Bendigo Equine Hospital, Dr Mike and his team are working all hours to ensure the new spring arrivals have the best start in life. One foal is causing concern as it is unable to bear weight on its left front leg. Standard-bred horses are traditionally trained for harness racing and an injury of this nature could have major implications for its future. Dr Mike sedates and assesses the young horse, deciding to splint the limb to keep it in the correct position.

Meanwhile, Dr Chris asks Dr Mike for some assistance to relocate a bee colony that has taken up residence in a horse paddock. Along with stud owner Ryan, they prepare to do battle with the bees which, at first glance, don’t look particularly intimidating. However, these are European honey bees and are responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other wild animal.

Scottish Vets Down Under: Series 1

A BBC TV channel for Scotland which will broadcast every evening and will show drama, factual, comedy and news programmes made in Scotland


Series following two Scottish vets who have established practices rural Australia.

Series following two Scottish vets who have established their own practices in a small rural community in Australia.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Scottish Vets Down Under

Series 1

Episode 2

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Scotland

About BBC Scotland