Ep 4. Thanks for the Mammaries

In "Thanks for the Mammaries," the fourth episode of season four of Heartland Docs, DVM, veterinarians Drs. Ben and Erin Schroeder focus on the health and wellness of a variety of farm animals. The episode features several cases of animals dealing with udder issues, including a cow with a severe case of mastitis, a sheep with a blocked milk duct, and a goat with an infected udder.

One of the main storylines of the episode involves the case of a Holstein cow named Loretta, who has been experiencing severe swelling in her udder. As Dr. Erin explains, mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, fever, and even death. The Schroeders work together to diagnose Loretta's condition and come up with a treatment plan that includes antibiotics and frequent udder massages to help flush out the infection.

Another animal in need of help is a sheep named Elyse, who is struggling with a blocked milk duct that is causing her discomfort and preventing her from producing enough milk for her lamb. The Schroeders perform an ultrasound to locate the blockage and then use a technique called "stripping" to manually express the milk and clear the blockage. Along the way, they also offer helpful tips and advice for sheep farmers looking to prevent and treat blockages in their animals.

Finally, the episode features the case of a goat named Pepper, who has developed an infected udder after giving birth to triplets. The Schroeders work quickly to diagnose the infection and put Pepper on a course of antibiotics and pain medication. They also take the opportunity to discuss the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices when caring for dairy animals.

Throughout the episode, the Schroeders demonstrate their deep compassion and care for all the animals they work with, as well as their extensive knowledge and skill in veterinary medicine. "Thanks for the Mammaries" is a heartwarming and informative episode that will appeal to animal lovers and anyone interested in the care and treatment of farm animals.