Peter Wright faced an emotional challenge in the latest episode of Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet, rushing to an emergency call within minutes of the show beginning. A farmer near his Kirkbymoorside surgery had called for help, worried about an animal in his care.
While driving to the scene, the Channel 5 star explained that a newborn animal had arrived 12 hours earlier, but the farmer was concerned the mother was struggling to deliver the remaining offspring.
Rare breed on at-risk register
Farmer Ian held up an adorable lamb born the previous evening, noting the ewe had successfully bonded with it. His main worry, however, was the mother, as he revealed the Norfolk Horn breed to be particularly rare.
He told the cameras: "It's a breed that's on the at-risk register; these breeds are on the verge of extinction. We need the expert advice and opinion and help on getting these lambs out."
Before Peter arrived, he admitted he 'feared the worst' for the survival of the other two lambs, given that one had been born so long beforehand.
Delivery and outcome
Upon reaching the farm, Peter examined the ewe and confirmed that two lambs were lodged inside, requiring careful manoeuvring before she could give birth. After some time, he successfully helped deliver one of the lambs, which initially struggled to breathe before settling down.
Sadly, the same could not be said for the third lamb, as Peter explained: "No heartbeat there, sadly. What would've happened there is the placenta would've separated and that's why it's not made it."
Turning his attention to the remaining lamb, he handed it to the other to stimulate it, successfully helping it to begin breathing normally.
Peter remarked: "Sadly, the lamb behind didn't make it, but I would've been at all surprised after 12 hours if both had been dead, so I think I've had a bit of luck."
Reflecting on the breed of sheep, Ian added: "I'm very pleased with the outcome. There are quite a few enthusiasts of the rare breeds because without people looking to own these various breeds, whether it be poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, these breeds are on the verge of extinction."
The Yorkshire Vet is available to watch on Channel 5.
