Ep 4. Captain Hoof

In Critter Fixers: Country Vets season 1 episode 4, entitled "Captain Hoof," viewers are taken back into the hectic and heartwarming world of two veterinarians who have dedicated their lives to caring for animals in rural Georgia. Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson continue to tackle various challenges when it comes to treating animals, ranging from dogs and cats to farm animals like cows and pigs.

As the episode title suggests, this episode focuses on a horse named Captain Hoof who is in dire need of medical attention. Captain Hoof is a beautiful black horse that belongs to the local police department. It is their trusted and loyal mount, but it recently injured one of its legs, leaving Captain Hoof in significant pain and unable to function.

Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson must work together to diagnose and treat Captain Hoof's injury. In their examination, they discover that Captain Hoof has a condition called laminitis, which is a disease of the hoof laminae that can cause the bone to separate from the hoof wall. This is a severe condition that can lead to the death of the animal if left untreated.

The veterinarians, with the help of their team, work to stabilize Captain Hoof's injury and treat him with the necessary medications and therapy. This includes wrapping the legs in specialized bandages and administering anti-inflammatory drugs. They also work with the police department to create a customized shoe to help alleviate the pressure on the injured hoof.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the veterinarians' frustration as they experience the limitations of their small animal hospital. They realize the need for more specialized equipment, such as a horse-sized x-ray machine, in order to provide better care for their patients. This realization prompts them to look into expanding their practice and investing in additional equipment so that they can better serve their patients.

Beyond Captain Hoof's injury, the episode also touches on the veterinarians' personal lives, including Dr. Hodges' newfound love of beekeeping and Dr. Ferguson's growing family. As always, the two provide the perfect balance of medical expertise and Southern charm, endearing themselves to viewers as they tackle the various challenges that come their way.

The episode ends showing Captain Hoof out in a pasture, once again able to run freely and without pain. The gratitude of the police department and the joy on Captain Hoof's face serve as a reminder of the important work that Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson do every day - helping to heal animals and bring joy and comfort to the people who care for them.