The Wildlife Docs Season 4 Episode 2 Cheetah with a Tummy Issue

The Wildlife Docs season 4 episode 2 titled "Cheetah with a Tummy Issue" takes us on a journey into the life of a cheetah with an unknown stomach issue. The episode starts by introducing viewers to Dr. Dominique Keller, a veterinary intern, who is part of the cheetah team at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. She is tasked with figuring out what could be causing the stomach problems of the cheetah named Alia.

As the doctors observe Alia, they notice that she has not been eating and has been losing weight rapidly. They decide to perform an endoscopy procedure, which entails inserting a camera into Alia's stomach to check for any abnormalities. The procedure is not without its challenges, as the doctors have to anesthetize the cheetah to carry out the examination successfully. Furthermore, the doctors have to be mindful of the cheetah's unique anatomy, which requires them to adjust the endoscope frequently.

After performing the procedure, the doctors discover that Alia has an ulcer in her stomach caused by a bacterial infection. The team immediately puts Alia on an antibiotic treatment regimen and changes her diet to promote healing. However, despite the changes, Alia's condition deteriorates, and she develops a severe loss of appetite. It's at this point that the doctors have to consider alternative treatment options to help Alia overcome her condition.

The doctors decide to try a new approach, which involves feeding Alia her regular diet but with extra vitamins and supplements, such as probiotics. They also try using a feeding tube to ensure Alia gets the necessary nutrition. This new treatment approach proves to be successful, and Alia starts putting on weight and becomes more active. The doctors are thrilled with her progress and hope that she will make a complete recovery soon.

Aside from Alia's story, the episode also highlights the work of the cheetah team at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Through interviews with various team members, the viewers get an insight into what it takes to care for and maintain a healthy cheetah population. The team talks about the challenges they face and how they've had to adapt their methods to ensure the cheetahs have a conducive environment to thrive in.

Overall, "Cheetah with a Tummy Issue" is an educational and informative episode that sheds light on the complexities of animal care and management. It's heartwarming to see the dedication of the wildlife doctors and how they go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the animals under their care. Watching Alia's journey from illness to recovery is particularly inspiring and leaves viewers with a sense of hope and admiration for the work done at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.