Good news for Marcus, not so good news for me.

I was spending the day observing life at A & G Vets in Bonnybridge and now I was about to observe an enema.

There's no pleasant way to put it – Marcus was massively constipated and, to get things going again, vet John Goacher was going to have to help by manually clearing the blockage.

Marcus was out for the count, and I was holding my nose.

Enemas are regular procedures for vets, and perhaps a less desirable part of one of the most sought-after careers in the country.

Last year, over 1400 intelligent individuals from across the country applied for entry into ''extremely popular'' veterinary courses at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

At Glasgow alone, there were 11 applications for every place available on the course.

Just being clever is not always enough to get in.

Applicants have to prove their willingness by demonstrating more such as working in a vets or proving themselves as all-rounders by gaining the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The prospect of helping our large-eyed fluffy friends is, for some, irresistible, and the same can be said for those who don't make it their profession.

As a nation of animal lovers, insights into the life of a vet have proved popular.

Not so long ago, you could hardly switch on your TV without seeing vets at work or understanding the challenges facing those dedicated to helping animals.

We fell in love with Norwegian blonde Trude Mostue, the oh-so determined student vet in 'Vets' School'.

Rolf Harris's regular trips to see what the vets were up to in the RSPCA's Harmsworth Animal Hospital could bring a tear to a glass eye, while 'Pet Rescue' was responsible for leading some wannabe pet owners to check out their local dog and cat shelters in search of their new best friend.

Back in Bonnybridge, husband and wife team John and Ashley Goacher, a partner in the business, and vet nurse Fiona were preparing a six-month-old cat for a castration.

The small cat was given anaesethic and John made a small incision through which the testicles were removed. It was over in five minutes, but Fiona and Ashley monitored him throughout.

Next up was a female cat who was to be neutered. Although a much more invasive procedure, it prevents nasty infect-ions and ovarian cancer and ends the prospect of unwanted kittens.

Also known as spaying, the operation involves removing the uterus and ovaries under anaesethic and supervision. Her nylon stitches will be removed in 10 days.

Afterwards, the cats were put in their own warm, snug beds to compensate for the drop in their body temperature that would have resulted from being under anaesthetic.

Then it was Marcus's turn.

His worried owner had noticed he wasn't eating and brought him to the vet.

There was general relief in the practice when the staff discovered that the hard lump John had felt in his belly was not something more sinister.

With Marcus anaesthetised, John mixed warm water with a special enema solution which was pumped into Marcus's colon to break down the blockage.

After 15 minutes spent removing some of the waste, another x-ray was taken. Although much improved, there was still some blockage, but it would have helped Marcus to pass on his own.

He may need another enema and a course of laxatives.

After the surgery of the day, John turns his attention to consultations.
Pet owners, concerned something may be wrong, bring in their animals for a check over.

During the consultations, you can't help but realise just how similar animal health problems are to our own.

Stressed animals could suffer skin irritations and ears which were not cleaned properly could result in infection.

One responsible owner had taken the precaution of putting sun cream on her white cat's sparsely-covered ears.

Some animals were placid and allowed the vet to examine them, while others were a bit more reluctant to allow him to touch a sore belly or give them a jab.

But one thing that was noticeable to me as an observer was the way the trusting pets would look at their owners during their check up.

Dogs, cats and rabbits can't tell the vet what is wrong with them.

Instead they rely on their owners to notice when something is not right and tell the vets and nurses what they think the problem might be.

Vets are wonderful and do a marvellous job, but our animals still depend on us to take them there in the first place.

Only two universities in Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh, offer the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) course.

Last year, Glasgow had 781 applications for the 2007-08 course while,
in Edinburgh, there were 778 applications for the 72 Government-funded places. In addition, there were 438 applications for the 73 full-fee places available.

At Edinburgh, female applicants dominated.
Overall, there were 270 male applicants compared to 946 females. Of the actual new undergraduate student intake 79 per cent were women.

Entry requirements for the BVMS course are AAABB at Higher level at first sitting, including chemistry, biology and either physics or mathematics plus BB in Advanced Higher chemistry and another science subject.

nThe courses demand hard work and dedication and prior practical knowledge is advisable. Potential students should spend time working with a veterinary surgeon, a dairy farm or other work with animals such as in kennels or stables.

Glasgow also recommends applicants take a few riding lessons if they have no experience of horses.

Graduates can become members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), which allows them to practise in the UK and member countries of the EU.

Although most graduate work in general practice, some are employed by the government to investigate, control and attempt to eradicate diseases.

d.punshon@falkirkherald.co.uk