Ep 9. License to Chill

In this episode of The Incredible Dr. Pol, titled "License to Chill," we follow the titular veterinarian and his team as they continue to work hard to keep the animals of Michigan healthy. The episode begins with Dr. Pol and his wife, Diane, heading out on a much-needed vacation to the sunny shores of Florida. However, their time away from the clinic is short-lived as they soon receive word that one of their patients, a pregnant cow, is showing signs of distress.

Dr. Pol and Diane cut their vacation short and return to Michigan to tend to the cow, who is in the process of giving birth. They arrive to find a difficult birth, but with Dr. Pol's expertise and the help of his team, the delivery is successful. From there, the episode follows the clinic's usual pattern of various animal emergencies and routine check-ups, showcasing the breadth of animals that Dr. Pol and his team care for.

One particularly poignant moment in the episode involves a large draft horse named Big John. He's been experiencing some health issues, and Dr. Pol fears he may have cancer. Big John's owner, who relies on the horse for his farming business, is understandably distraught. Dr. Pol and his team take X-rays and perform a biopsy, but until the results come back, they can only wait and hope for the best.

Another interesting case is an aging goat named Mimi, who is experiencing trouble eating. Dr. Pol diagnoses her with a case of bad teeth and performs dental surgery on her, during which he discovers a metal object in her mouth. It turns out to be a bolt, presumably swallowed while she was wandering around her owner's garage. Dr. Pol removes the bolt and Mimi is soon back to her old, rambunctious self.

Throughout the episode, we get a glimpse into the unique challenges of caring for animals in the harsh Michigan winter. The clinic staff must constantly monitor animals for hypothermia and other cold-related ailments, and even get creative with their treatment methods. In one instance, they use a hair dryer to warm up a goat with severely cold ears.

As always, the episode features Dr. Pol's affable charisma and rapport with his clients. His warm, jovial nature is a large part of the show's appeal, as viewers feel like they're getting to know a knowledgeable, well-loved member of their community. The show also doesn't shy away from showing the raw, messy realities of working with animals - from birthing fluids to surgical procedures - giving viewers an unvarnished look at the work that goes into keeping our animal companions healthy.

Overall, "License to Chill" is an engaging and heartwarming episode that showcases both the highs and lows of veterinary medicine. The variety of cases, from a difficult birth to a cancer scare to a simple dental issue, highlights the vast range of animals that Dr. Pol and his team care for and the expertise required to do so effectively. Will Big John be okay? Tune in to find out!