Vet Check

Vet Check

Hi Boys and Girls

Vet Check

Wednesday was Vet Check day at Iditarod Headquarters. What is that, you ask? I bet you go to the Dr. at least once a year for a check up. The Dr. listens to your heart and lungs, checks your eyes and nose, and sometimes even gives you some shots. I know- everyone hates shots including me! The dogs of the Iditarod also need to have a thorough check up. Every dog must be checked out by a Veterinarian. A Veterinarian is an animal doctor. The musher has a choice of having this exam done by their own Veterinarian or they can choose to have the exam done the Wednesday before the race. The Iditarod volunteer Veterinarians perform the exams. Whether a musher decides to have their own Vets do the checkups or have the volunteer vets do the exam, the same rules apply. Each dog receives and ECG to check for any heart abnormalities. Blood work is done. Then a microchip must be implanted. All vaccinations must be up to date. Once a dog has been given a clean bill of health they are allowed to race. Sometimes something shows up on one of the tests that will keep a dog from racing. It’s usually something minor, but would be in the best interest of the dog not to race. Many teams take advantage of having the exam done at Iditarod Headquarters. One advantage for the fans is that they can go and walk among the teams, observe the dogs, visit with the mushers and have a great time. The mushers are ready. The dogs are ready. It’s almost time!!!! See you on the trail, Gypsy

All pictures were taken by Jeff Schultz.