News and Information
by Stuart Nelson, Jr., DVM I have often been asked about dogs that are returned from the race. Long-distance sled dog races, such as the Iditarod, require mushers to finish with only those dogs who started the race. Although none may be added to the team after the start, they can be returned at any …
by Stuart Nelson, Jr., DVM My medical topic for this month is the syndrome known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV. Uncomplicated gastric dilatation (distension) can occur as the result of swallowing air and/or overeating, but there is a great potential for rapid progression into a life-threatening emergency if the stomach twists on its long axis …
by Stuart Nelson, Jr., DVM I have chosen to address a topic of concern for dogs and humans in this article. Rabies is a disease we are all familiar with, at least on a superficial level, but I think its important to emphasize some key points about this infection that may not be common knowledge. …
Aaron Burmeister, video from 2015 Iditarod, comments on how nutrition is a big factor in a healthy running sled dog team. With temperatures dipping well into the negative digits in Manley, it’s very important to keep those dogs fueled for their long trip.
by Stuart Nelson, Jr., DVM Many of you may have experienced knee injuries, including ACL tears. You know what I’m referring to! Ouch! For those of you who may not be aware, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is critical to normal function of the knee joint. This structure, most commonly referred to as the cranial …
PROVIDE A PROTECTED AND CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR DOG. Shelter from the elements and hazards, as well as good hygiene, are basic to a quality life. ALWAYS KEEP FRESH WATER AVAILABLE. Maintaining optimal hydration is important for health and energy. FEED A QUALITY DIET AND PREVENT OBESITY. Overweight humans and animals can adversely …
https://iditarod.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/vetcheck.m4v Every dog that runs in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race must pass extensive medical examinations. Blood work and ECG recordings are included in the exam process. All dogs have microchip implants for identification. During the race, vets are along the trail at checkpoints to examine the dogs. Keeping dogs healthy before, during, and …
Iditarod dogs enjoy wellness care uncommon among dogs and even most humans. They are currently undergoing extensive preventative exams that include full blood workups and electrocardiograms to ensure they are Iditarod fit. It is with much irony that detractors have used a disinformation smear campaign stating, “if an Iditarod dog is lucky enough to survive …
Photo guy Julien Schroder captured shots of Aliy Zirkle, Matt Hall and Paige Drobny between Safety and Nome. Of great note is the open sea. Mushers are re-routed into Nome as it’s not feasible to follow the tradition route on the sea ice from Safety to access Front Street in Nome.
There are many aspects of Iditarod that make the event quite astonishing, not the least of which is the aspect of team work. Right now race photo-guys Julien Schroeder and Jeff Schultz are snowed in at McGrath and Rainy Pass respectively. I’ve shared out some of Jeff’s earlier photos as Eye on the Trail: Schultz …
