Ep 3. They Treat Horses, Don't They?

In season 5 episode 3 of ER, titled "They Treat Horses, Don't They?", the doctors and nurses of County General Hospital must deal with a variety of challenging cases.

One of the main storylines involves Dr. Kerry Weaver (Laura Innes) and Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney) treating a horse jockey who has been badly injured in a race. The jockey, named Ronnie (played by guest star Danny Nucci), is paralyzed from the waist down and must come to terms with the fact that he may never race again. Kerry and Doug work together to help Ronnie come to grips with his new reality, while also providing the best medical care possible.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) must deal with a difficult mother (played by guest star Frances Fisher) who insists on keeping her dying son alive through extensive medical treatments, despite the fact that he has no chance of recovery. Mark struggles to find a balance between respecting the mother's wishes and doing what is right for the patient.

In addition, we see Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) treating a young boy who has accidentally shot himself with his father's gun. Carter must work quickly to save the boy's life, while also dealing with the emotions of the boy's distraught father.

Finally, we see Nurse Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) dealing with the aftermath of her recent breakup with Dr. Ross. Hathaway tries to keep her emotions in check as she works alongside Doug to treat the injured jockey, but it is clear that the breakup is still weighing heavily on her mind.

As always, the medical cases in this episode are complex and emotionally charged, providing both the characters and the audience with plenty of drama and heartbreak. But despite the difficult situations they face, the staff of County General remain committed to providing the best care possible for their patients, even when it means making difficult decisions and facing tough moral dilemmas.

Overall, "They Treat Horses, Don't They?" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of ER, showcasing the best of what this groundbreaking show has to offer.