Latest news with #NoelFitzpatrick
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
World's first bionic cat dies in Jersey aged 18 after 'paving the way for animals globally'
The world's first bionic cat has died at the age of 18. Oscar from Jersey underwent pioneering surgery in 2009 after both of his rear paws were chopped off by a combine harvester. With severe injuries and significant blood loss, his owners were concerned he may not survive but he was treated on island before being flown to Surrey. The operation by renowned vet Noel Fitzpatrick was the first time an animal had been fitted with two bionic leg implants and made international headlines, as well as setting two Guinness World Records. Oscar's journey was followed on TV, including in the popular Supervet series, and he defied by odds by living for a further 15 years. Noel says the operation revolutionised the treatment of animals. He explains: "The main consideration I had going into it was ethics. Was it the right thing to do for Oscar? "I felt apprehensive but now it's something that I do relatively frequently and it's really important that we move medicine forward for the benefit of all animals. "He truly has paved the way for animals globally to have this kind of technology in their moment of need. "Without him, numerous animals would not have limbs. Without him, numerous animals would not have light. And without him, we wouldn't have had that joy in our hearts." Owner Kate Nolan adds: "We were a bit hesitant when we first did it because obviously Oscar didn't have a say in the treatment. "We did think, 'Would it be kinder to let him go?' but the fact that he's had a really full, happy and content life, and his legacy lives on through so many other animals, is really wonderful. "We didn't know if they would last and we're just so pleased that he had this extraordinary life. "He never gave up and was really resilient. He was diagnosed with lymphoma about three years ago, so he's just an extraordinary cat."
Irish Independent
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick: ‘When I was an actor in the 1990s, Colin Farrell and I were both up for a part in Ballykissangel'
Noel Fitzpatrick is a veterinary surgeon from Ballyfin, Co Laois. He runs his own surgery in Surrey, England, where television show The Supervet was filmed. He lives with his two Maine Coon cats.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home
DOG and cat owners are daft about their furry friends. But many have one big pet hate - how much fur they leave all over your home . 2 Cleaning up after your pet doesn't have to be a chore A recent survey by women would rather share the sofa with a pet than their partner when watching telly. But with many households struggling to keep on top of cleaning up after their fluffy friends, one pet expert has revealed the top shedding breeds that will wreak havoc in your home. Vileda, the expert cleaning brand behind the Cat said: "Unless you've got a non-shedding dog breed like a poodle cross, you'll know all about the pet hair struggle. READ MORE IN FABULOUS "While some breeds shed all year round, for most, their coats change with the seasons." She adds: "Did you know that how much your dog sheds is all down to their genes? "Some breeds are seasonal shedders, losing their coats twice a year in a big 'blow out' – think Akitas and Huskies. Others, like Labradors, shed non-stop!" Coming top of the list of doggy offenders are Labradors. These gorgeous dogs have a dense undercoat and a thicker outer coat. Most read in Fabulous This allows them to regulate their body temperature - but also means they have lots more fur to shed. In second place is German Shepherds which also have a double coat. They tend to shed their coat fully twice a year, in spring and autumn . The Supervet's Noel Fitzpatrick reveals how a dog exposed man's affair in the most astonishing way Meanwhile, third on the ranking is an Akita. Another double coated dog, they tend to leave clumps of fair coloured hair during the main shedding season. But don't throw in the towel if you're struggling to win the battle against fur and dander. Cleaning expert Clare Bolland, from Vileda, has some brilliant hacks to keep your home gleaming, even with the fluffiest of breeds. She says: "On average, we spend more than four hours a week on cleaning tasks caused by our pets and 35 per cent of pet owners admitted they underestimated how much cleaning they'd have to do before getting their pet. "But there are loads of handy hacks to make cleaning quicker and easier – leaving you more quality time to spend with your pet.' Brush them OUTSIDE Clare warns: "Brushing your dog or cat regularly will seriously cut down on indoor shedding – and the trick is to do it outdoors. "Take them into the garden at least once per week to brush their coat. "Doing this inside might not seem like a big problem, but fine hairs will be dispersed in your home – then settling and creating more work to clean up later.' Fur-free forty winks Clare said: "We love our pets so much that 79 per cent of us let them sleep in our beds. "But here's the main tip: change your bedding every three to four days. Even if your dog or cat looks clean, they'll bring dirt and debris into your bed that hides in their fur or on their paws. That ends up on your sheets, pillows, and duvet cover." Stray pet hairs will cling to your bedding and fabric headboards. The expert added: "Leave it too long and it can become trapped inside your pillows, duvet, and mattress, making it even more difficult to remove later down the line." Her secret weapon is Clare says: "A quick once-over of your bed each morning removes pet hair in minutes, so you can enjoy plenty of cuddles from your furry friend every night. And give your duvet and pillows a good shake when you change your bedding to stop fur getting embedded." TOP SHEDDING OFFENDERS HERE are the top offenders according to the pet experts: Top five dog breeds for shedding: Labradors German shepherds Akitas Huskies Basset hounds Top 5 cat breeds for shedding: Maine Coon Long haired moggy Short haired moggy Ragdoll Persian Make cleaning a BREEZ E The expert said: "Having the right products on hand is vital to streamline your cleaning routine. "We designed the "The angled bristles make it quicker to reach and clean corners, and it's easy to clean: simply rinse it under the tap after use.' 2 The expert says getting the right products is key
