Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet Season 4 Episode 3 Raging Bison
- TVPG
- October 15, 2016
- 44 min
-
9.6 (7)
Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet, season 4 episode 3, "Raging Bison," follows Dr. Michelle Oakley, a veterinarian who practices in the Yukon Territory of Canada, as she tends to the unique animals of the region. In this episode, Dr. Oakley encounters a bison with a potentially life-threatening injury.
The episode opens with Dr. Oakley driving through the snow to reach a bison farm where a bison bull has been injured. The farmer explains that the bull has a deep gash on his leg, likely caused by a fight with another bull. Dr. Oakley assesses the injury and determines that the bison needs immediate medical attention. However, bison are notoriously difficult to handle and can be dangerous if spooked, so Dr. Oakley must be cautious in her approach.
Dr. Oakley sets up a temporary clinic on the farm and prepares to sedate the bison. She carefully approaches the animal, staying in its peripheral vision to avoid startling it, and injects it with a sedative. Once the bison is asleep, Dr. Oakley begins to examine the injury. The gash is deep and infected, and there is significant swelling around the wound. Dr. Oakley cleans the wound and administers antibiotics to help clear the infection.
But working with a sedated bison is a race against time, and Dr. Oakley must work quickly to complete the procedure before the sedative wears off and the animal becomes agitated. She deftly stitches up the wound and gives the bison a shot to reverse the effects of the sedative. The bison begins to stir, and Dr. Oakley retreats to a safe distance as the animal gets up and wanders off.
In addition to the injured bison, Dr. Oakley tends to other patients in this episode, including a dog with a mysterious lump on its leg and a herd of muskoxen that need check-ups. The muskoxen are particularly difficult to handle, with their massive size and ornery temperament, but Dr. Oakley deftly manages them and checks their vital signs.
Later in the episode, Dr. Oakley receives a call about a calf that has been born with a serious deformity. The calf's jaw is misaligned, making it difficult for it to nurse. This could be a death sentence for the calf, as it needs to consume milk to survive. Dr. Oakley determines that the calf needs a specially designed bottle to enable it to nurse. Despite initial challenges and a couple of failed attempts, Dr. Oakley eventually makes a bottle that allows the calf to feed, giving it a fighting chance at survival.
Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the unique challenges that come with working in the Yukon Territory. Dr. Oakley must contend with treacherous weather conditions, vast distances between clients, and the occasional angry bison. But her dedication to her patients, both big and small, never wavers, and she takes pride in being able to provide top-notch veterinary care to the animals of the Yukon.
"Raging Bison" is a compelling episode of Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet that showcases the diverse range of animals and challenges that Dr. Oakley faces in her practice. Whether dealing with injured bison, ornery muskoxen, or helping a newborn calf survive, Dr. Oakley's passion for her work is evident in every interaction she has. The episode is both entertaining and educational, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the challenges that come with working as a veterinarian in the Yukon Territory.