Ep 1. One Dane at a Time

Dr. Pol is back for season 16 of his hit show and kicking things off with a bang in One Dane at a Time. For those that don't know, Dr. Pol is a no-nonsense veterinarian who runs a busy clinic in rural Michigan and tackles cases big and small on a regular basis. From birthing calves to treating sick cats, he's seen it all and is always up for a challenge.

In this episode, Dr. Pol is faced with a unique case involving a Great Dane named Marmaduke. This gentle giant has been having trouble walking and his owners are concerned that something is seriously wrong. Dr. Pol suspects that Marmaduke may have hip dysplasia, a common condition in larger breeds where the hip joints don't develop properly. To confirm the diagnosis, he needs to take x-rays, which is easier said than done when dealing with a dog that weighs over 100 pounds.

Meanwhile, Dr. Brenda is dealing with a case of pneumonia in a little puppy. She needs to get him on the right antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading, but the pup is so weak that she's having trouble even getting him to eat. It's a delicate situation and time is of the essence.

Back to Marmaduke, the Great Dane. After successfully getting him onto the x-ray table (with the help of a forklift), Dr. Pol confirms that he does indeed have hip dysplasia. The good news is that it's a manageable condition and with some lifestyle changes and medication, Marmaduke should be able to live a full, happy life. His owners are relieved and grateful for Dr. Pol's help.

But the day isn't over yet for Dr. Pol and his team. They're called out to a farm where a cow is in labor and having trouble delivering her calf. This is a common occurrence for Dr. Pol and his team, but it's always a high-stakes situation. The calf is in a breech position, meaning it's coming out tail first instead of head first. This can be dangerous for both the calf and the cow, but Dr. Pol is confident that he can help.

It's a tense scene as Dr. Pol gets to work, gently pulling the calf out bit by bit. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the calf is born. It's a beautiful moment as the little calf takes its first breath and starts to wobble around on its spindly legs. Dr. Pol and his team help it to its feet and make sure it's nursing properly before cleaning up and heading back to the clinic.

Overall, One Dane at a Time is a classic episode of The Incredible Dr. Pol. There's a little bit of everything, from the emotional moments of helping a sick puppy to the high-stress situation of delivering a calf. Dr. Pol remains a constant source of calm and expertise throughout it all, providing comfort to both the animals and their owners. If you're a fan of the show, this episode is a must-watch. If you're new to The Incredible Dr. Pol, it's a great introduction to the world of a rural veterinarian and the incredible work they do on a daily basis.