‘Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet’ Star Updates Viewers On His Health During Season Finale

Fans of Dr. Jeff Young first became aware that something was wrong during a previous episode of the popular hit series. Last season on Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet, he revealed to viewers that he had a low-grade lung tumor. He went on to say that by removing the affected part of the lung lobe, the cancer should have been removed. He was confident that after the surgery he was cancer-free.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. During the episode before the season finale, titled “Turning Point,” Dr. Jeff informs viewers that his cancer had returned. The Denver Post noted that this episode was the most-watched episode of the series, with an impressive 1.5 million viewers.

“Cancer. You know when you hear that, you think well, that’s not good,” Dr. Jeff said. “The chemo’s kicked in enough that the hair’s starting to fall out.”

He goes on to say that he believes he can fight and beat the cancer again, but the one thing he couldn’t do was save his hair from falling out. People shared that one emotional scene shows Dr. Jeff and his wife and fellow veterinarian, Petra, in the Planned Pethood Clinic as she gently begins the process of cutting off Dr. Jeff’s signature long hair and shaving his head as his daughter and staff look on.

“I’d rather lose my hair than lose my life,” Dr. Jeff remarks, adding that he sometimes makes light of the situation since he has “no control” over it.

During the season finale, titled “New World,” Dr. Jeff and his team of more than 30 staff members work to move the entire Planned Pethood Clinic to a much larger facility. Petra is concerned that he is doing too much as they begin the move to the new location, but Dr. Jeff manages to fight through the side effects of chemotherapy so he can help.

“Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet” moves locations, battles cancer on hit Animal Planet show https://t.co/5hpdHWdZxx
by @ClevelandClaire

— The Denver Post (@denverpost) July 9, 2016

According to TV Series Finale, Dr. Jeff and his team have worked diligently to save the lives of both pets and rescued wild animals. They make sure every animal that comes to the Planned Pethood Clinic has the best care available, no matter what the cost. Many times, the clinic works with clients who have problems paying the exorbitant fees other places often charge. Money is not what motivates Dr. Jeff and his team, and they understand that many of the pets they treat have owners who may be single parents, are elderly and on a fixed budget, or are working-class people who simply cannot afford thousands of dollars in vet bills.

The only requirement that is strictly enforced by the clinic is that every animal must be spayed or neutered before leaving if that hasn’t already been done already. Needless to say, that’s one issue no one argues with since it means besides saving their beloved pet’s life, these simple procedures help to lower the pet population numbers.

As he gets ready to do surgery in the new clinic on a dog named Onyx, Dr. Jeff reveals that one of the dog’s owners, Brandon, had the same type of cancer as the doctor, called diffuse B-cell lymphoma. Brandon discovered a lump on his neck, and Dr. Jeff states that his mass was on his chest, which was pushing on his heart. Brandon is now in remission, and Dr. Jeff is optimistic that he will have the same positive outcome.

During tough times, pets are there for us with much needed love, cuddles, and companionship. #DrJeff pic.twitter.com/CgYaZIepn8

— Animal Planet (@AnimalPlanet) July 10, 2016

At the end of the episode, viewers finally discover that testing reveals no signs of the disease and that Dr. Jeff has beaten cancer once again and is now in remission. Although this season was full of ups and downs for the dedicated vet, his upbeat attitude and perseverance paid off. Hopefully, he will enjoy another 26 healthy and productive years at the new clinic helping people and their pets.

Are you a fan of the show? Leave your comments, thoughts, and opinions below. Although the season just wrapped up, reruns are still showing on Animal Planet, and more episodes are available through On Demand and Discovery GO.

[Image via TV Weekly Now/Twitter]