The Supervet: Noel Fitzpatrick

A six‑month‑old collie appears to have a deformity where the bones in its elbows do not fit together properly, causing concern. Following detailed CT scans, Noel realises the situation is more complex than the initial assessment suggested, indicating further investigation may be required.

The programme is an episode that centres on a six‑month‑old collie which appears to be suffering from a physical abnormality. It presents the young dog’s condition as the focal point of the story, setting the scene for a close‑up look at its health issue. At first glance the collie seems to have a deformity in its elbows – the bones there do not seem to join correctly. This apparent mis‑alignment gives the impression that the joint is simply malformed, prompting concern about how the animal will develop and move. To investigate further, a series of CT scans are carried out. It is through these detailed images that Noel, the veterinary professional involved, begins to see that the situation isn’t as straightforward as the initial visual assessment suggested. The scans reveal a more intricate problem than the obvious mismatch of the elbow bones. Noel’s findings highlight that what looked like a clear‑cut deformity is actually a complex condition requiring deeper analysis. The episode therefore moves from a simple visual observation to a nuanced understanding, underscoring how advanced imaging can change the perception of an apparent skeletal issue.