Ep 5. Petra's Pigs

In season 7 episode 5 of Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, titled "Petra's Pigs," viewers are taken on a heartwarming journey as Dr. Jeff and his team come to the aid of a unique client, Petra. Petra is a woman who has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating pigs, along with a variety of other animals, on her small farm in the rocky mountains.

The episode starts with a phone call to Dr. Jeff's clinic from Petra, who is in a panic. One of her favorite pigs, Rufus, has suddenly collapsed and is unresponsive. Dr. Jeff and his team immediately head out to Petra's farm to help in any way they can.

Upon their arrival, they find Rufus in a state of distress, his breathing labored and his heart racing. Dr. Jeff and his team spring into action, conducting a series of tests to determine what is causing Rufus' distress. It soon becomes clear that Rufus has a serious lung infection, likely caused by a bacterial infection.

Dr. Jeff decides that the best course of action is to hospitalize Rufus so he can receive round-the-clock care. But since Petra's farm is some distance from the clinic, they have to devise a plan to keep Rufus stable on the journey. They quickly get to work fashioning a custom-made stretcher to transport Rufus safely.

Once Rufus is admitted to the clinic, the team in the ICU work around the clock to keep him comfortable and treat his infection. In addition, Dr. Jeff and his team ensure that Rufus has an enriching environment, with plenty of space to move around and engage with toys, to keep his spirits up.

While Rufus is recovering, Dr. Jeff and his team take a closer look at the rest of Petra's pig population. They find that many of the pigs have overgrown hooves, which can be painful and make it difficult for them to move around. The team takes the opportunity to trim the hooves of all of Petra's pigs, ensuring that they are healthy and mobile.

As Rufus' condition improves, Dr. Jeff and his team consult with Petra about the best way to reintroduce him to the farm. Petra is concerned that Rufus may not be welcome back with the other pigs, who have formed their own hierarchy. Dr. Jeff suggests that they reintroduce Rufus slowly, allowing him to establish his own place among the group.

The episode ends with Rufus making a triumphant return to the farm, where he is welcomed back by Petra and the other pigs. The episode is a testament to the passion and dedication of animal rescuers like Petra, and the care and expertise of Dr. Jeff and his team. It showcases the important work they do, not just in treating animals in need, but in supporting the tireless efforts of people like Petra who work every day to ensure that animals are loved and cared for.