Nat Geo WILD is set to premiere the new series Animal ER on September 10, 2016 at 10pm ET/PT. The series spotlights the work of the doctors and staff of the Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) in Houston, Texas as they treat a variety of animal patients including dogs, cats, reptiles, and birds. The hospital is one of the busiest in the world, according to Nat Geo WILD, and sees more than 50,000 sick and injured animals come through its doors each year.
“GCVS has the most fascinating and dramatic range of cases in the country, with everything from exotics and zoo animals to family pets crashing through their doors 24/7,” stated Geoff Daniels, executive vice president and general manager, Nat Geo WILD. “Combine this with an incredible cast of passionate vets, and you get some of the most innovative, expert and extraordinary animal care in the world. It will be like nothing else on TV.”
The Plot: Follow patients as they are rushed into the hospital and through diagnosis and treatment. From dogs and cats to chimps and giant pythons, to rams and exotic birds, a broad range of pets are welcome. GCVS is the last stop for animals whose care is beyond the capabilities of their regular veterinarians, and GCVS doctors deal with the most complex and challenging animal cases across their departments, which include Surgery & Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Critical Care, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Dermatology & Allergy, Avian & Exotics, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation & Fitness, Nutrition, and Emergency. The hospital’s medical technology is state of the art and the care is cutting edge, as the staff constantly develops new approaches and techniques to treat their patients.
Animal ER September Episodes:
Tiger Emergency
Premieres Sat., Sept. 10, 10/9c
Today is a first for Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. Nia, a 6-year-old white Bengal tiger, is in critical need of surgery. Harley, a therapy puppy for a little girl, has a broken leg that only surgery can fix. Spirit the cockatiel is fighting for breath, with a mass growing in her throat. And a 9-year-old Lab mix named Duchess undergoes surgery to remove a growth near her brain that may save her life.
PO’ed Python
Premieres Saturday, Sept. 17, 10/9c
Mikka, an 18-foot reticulated python, needs her lungs checked for pneumonia. She finally slithers still for a set of radiographs, but it takes every effort by Gulf Coast’s Avian & Exotics team. Coco the Dalmatian needs a risky surgery to remove a cyst that is hampering her spinal function and ability to walk. The Houston Zoo rushes in with a 31-year-old blue-billed curassow with a broken leg — is she too old for surgery? The parents of Daphne, an 11-year-old Labrador mix, face a tough decision, and finally, Dr. Beale performs a total hip replacement on Bear, a limping German shepherd. Just another typical day at GCVS!
Heroic Measures
Premieres Saturday, Sept. 24, 10/9c
Damon, a rescue dog found bleeding and missing a paw, is a candidate for an artificial limb, a potentially life-changing procedure. Lucy, a dachshund, is rushed to the ICU with a crushed jaw. Meanwhile, Emma, a French bulldog, is brought to the neurology department with paralyzed legs. Two sea turtles are driven 200 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Avian & Exotics department to remove a rash of tumors that are growing out of control all over their bodies. Finally, Darth Rachel, a Labrador retriever, is brought to GCVS because of her heavy, labored breathing.
Code Red
Premieres Saturday, Oct. 1, 10/9c
GCVS comes to the aid of the Houston Humane Society after they receive over 200 neglected animals that were confiscated during a pet store raid. Exotic animal specialist Danielle Inman and Dr. Sue Chen treat a wide variety of animals for issues related to neglect and mismanagement. Cha Cha Larue, a 5-year-old Chinese crested who is a social media darling, gets critical surgery on one of her back legs — will she be able to walk again? Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda Miles gets to work on 7-year-old cat Noir’s crushed jaw. Hulk, a 10-year-old German shepherd, gets a last-chance back surgery from Dr. Carly Giovanella. Finally, Sugar Bear, a coatimundi, needs the infected end portion of his tail amputated to live a normal, happy life.
