Iditarod Dog Care Measures

by Stuart Nelson, Jr., DVM

Musher Entry Requirements

5 years minimum clinical practice experience.
Previous experience working with racing sled dogs.
Ability to work with others as a team.
Fluency in English - some foreign veterinarians are very capable, but language barriers create difficulties.
Membership in the ISDVMA (International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association is strongly encouraged.
Staff of approximately 35 veterinarians - an average of 5 rookies annually.
Staff selected by September of previous year to allow from preparation.

Rookies must attend ISDVMA Sled Dog Veterinarian Training Seminar.
Informational letters from the Chief Veterinarian and staff interaction on topics of concern.
General veterinary staff meeting prior to the race.

Informational letters from Chief Veterinarian regarding topics of concern and dog care issues.
Iditarod Rules and Policies regarding dog care and management.
Membership in Mush with P.R.I.D.E.
- Kennel management guidelines.
- General dog care guidelines.
Kennel visit (optional) by an ITC veterinarian.
Two Day Rookie Orientation in December.
General musher meeting prior to race.

Identification requirements (micro-chipping performed by ITC).
Vaccination requirements (documentation of current vaccinations is reviewed by veterinarians performing the pre-race exams).
De-worming requirements within 10 days of the race start (medication provided through the ITC).
Pre-race veterinary physical exams within 14 days of the race start.
Pre-race ECG’s (provided through the ITC - performed within 30 days of the start).
Pre-race blood work (CBC’s and Chemistry panels provided through the ITC - samples are taken at the same time the ECG’s are performed).
Dog Care Agreement Forms must be completed by each musher prior to the race. These documents list the name of a veterinarian of the mushers choice who will be responsible for providing any necessary follow-up medical or surgical treatments of dogs released from the care of the Iditarod Trail Committee.

Our goal is to have a veterinary examination of every dog at every checkpoint.
Dog care diaries must be carried by the mushers and presented to veterinarians at each checkpoint. They serve as written medical records for each dog in the race.
Dropped dog care and management is highly organized to provide for the safe return of the dogs to Anchorage.
Random drug testing as a precautionary effort.
Necropsy protocols are strict and detailed.
- Determine cause of death
- Enables us to learn more about abnormalities that may cause death
- Research aspect
Extensive Inventory of veterinary supplies and medications to allow for treatment of potential health abnormalities that could develop in any large number of animals over a three week period of time.