Ep 12. Heart and Foal

Heart and Foal follows the everyday lives of Dr. Ben and Dr. Erin Schroeder, a father-daughter veterinarian duo located in Hartington, Nebraska, as they continue to treat and care for the animals they serve in the community. In this episode, Dr. Ben and Dr. Erin are called to a farm where a mare has just given birth to a foal. They need to make sure both the mother and the newborn are healthy and able to bond properly to set the stage for the foal's beautiful life ahead.

Upon their arrival, Dr. Erin assesses the mare and foal and checks for any complications that may have arisen during birth. She listens to the foal's heartbeat and checks for any signs of weakness or injury. Dr. Ben examines the mare and attends to her needs as well. He evaluates her diet and confirms whether or not she has any underlying health issues that could affect the foal.

Next, the father-daughter duo teaches the foal how to nurse properly so it gets the nutrients it needs. At first, the foal seems hesitant and doesn't latch properly. The vets show the farmer the techniques to aid the foal in finding the teat and holding on. The foal soon catches on and starts drinking milk from the mare.

The vets also advise the farmer on how to care for the mare and foal, offering suggestions on everything from feeding schedules to proper exercise restrictions. They remind the farmer to allow the mare and foal to have plenty of bonding time, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for them to rest and play without interruption.

As the day wears on, Dr. Erin receives an urgent call from a nearby shelter where she and Dr. Ben volunteer their time. They find an undernourished dog that had been abandoned by its owners. They examine the dog and discover that she is severely malnourished but offers some hope in that she is willing to eat small portions of food. The doctors perform a full physical exam and provide the dog with the necessary medications, hoping that she will begin to recover soon.

The vets also advise the shelter on how to care for the dog moving forward. They suggest that the shelter increase her feeding portion gradually and monitor her closely during the recovery phase. Dr. Erin assures the shelter workers that the dog will be okay and with the right amount of attention and care, she should make a full recovery in no time.

The episode ends with the vets returning to the farm to check on the mare and foal they had previously visited. As they approach, they see that the mare and foal are now running and playing together in the nearby fields. The farmer tells the vets how much it means to him that they have dedicated their time to ensure the mare and foal are healthy and happy. Finally, the vets remind the farmer to keep a close eye on the mare and foal in the coming days, and to call them if any issues arise.

Heart and Foal is a heartwarming episode that showcases the demanding work of veterinarians and their dedication to their patients, no matter how big or small. It also highlights the importance of animal welfare and the role that everyone within a community can play in maintaining healthy and happy pets.