Scottish Vets Down Under

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

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Documentaries

Factual: Pets & Animals

Documentary following two Scottish vets who have relocated to Australia.

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Scottish Vets Down Under: Series 1: Episode 11

Episode 11

Series 1

BBC Scotland - Scottish Vets Down Under, Series 1, Episode 11

Dr Mike helps a critically ill foal, while Dr Chris performs tricky surgery on a dog.

Dr Mike and Dr Sarah treat a newborn foal struggling to survive after a difficult start in life, while Dr Chris performs tricky surgery on a much-loved pet with a large lump on its spleen.


In this episode, it’s a beautiful spring morning in Bendigo, but it’s a far from an idyllic start to the day at the equine hospital.

Dr Mike and Dr Sarah are treating a newborn foal that is struggling to survive. Normally young horses are up on their feet quickly and feeding colostrum from the mare – milk that not only provides much-needed hydration but is loaded with antibodies to fight against disease. So far, this foal has been unable to stand or feed. Dr Sarah suspects the young horse arrived too quickly, not spending enough time in the birth canal to develop all the normal reflexes. The team needs to urgently get some fluids into her before she deteriorates further. Adding to the stress, the first-time mare is agitated to be separated from her foal and is given a sedative to prevent injury to herself or anyone around her.

At the animal hospital, Staffordshire bull terrier Mr O is being prepped for surgery that might just save his life. Dr Chris has discovered a lump in the dog’s abdomen and an ultrasound shows a suspected tumour attached to the spleen. The seven-centimetre growth has most likely been developing over the past six months and could cause a catastrophic bleed at any time.

But the day doesn't end for Dr Chris after the last patient has left, as there is a weekly puppy school at the animal hospital. It’s a chance to teach these young dogs appropriate behaviours for a happy and harmonious home life, something he fears may be too late for the indulged pup Bertie he shares with Dr Clare.

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.

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Scottish Vets Down Under

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