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Iditarod, AKA “The Last Great Race on Earth,” covers over 1150 miles in Alaska. Teams of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher compete in the 10 to 17 day long race that goes from Anchorage to Nome.People from all over Alaska, and the world, come to participate in the event. Much of the event is put on by volunteerism.
Dr. Doug Marks, DVM at Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital, is one of about 30 to 35 veterinarians that fly into Alaska to help ensure the health of the dogs competing in the race at various checkpoints.
The vets don’t really know where they’ll be flown to from one day to the next. Once they fly into Anchorage, they’re just ready to go wherever needed.
Dr. Marks explained that the vets will be logistically moved by the Iditarod air force (comprised mainly of bush pilots and/or retired pilots) from checkpoint to checkpoint.
“At the check points, we the vets, meet the teams as they come in, ask how the dogs are doing, and are there any problems we need to take care of,” said Dr. Marks.
There are 3 areas in the mushers ‘vet book’ the trail vets may need to check off:
No exam – usually going on through the check point
Brief exam – quick check over while the team may be moving on fairly quickly
Complete exam – spending 1-8 hours at the check point
Problems Dr. Marks expects are tired or not running well, lameness-usually not serious, and less common gastric ulcers and pneumonia.
Dr. Marks is going to try to give us updates and pictures during his 10 day experience as internet access allows, stay posted here.
Dr. Doug Marks 03/09/10 9:55pm
In Anchorage and off to McGrath checkpoint tomorrow but unsure where from there. -10 tonight and +6 tomorrow— dress warm.
03/10/10 11:00am
Our plane (10 seater) heads out to Mcgrath after lunch due to weather– it’s -33 degrees.
03/15/10
Hi! It got down to -42 last night. I was all bundled up when I went out to check dogs with the other vets–one from OR, one from NY, one from AZ one from Germany and myself. Great place here and having fun–inspite of the temps. The trail is fast and they are thinking there may be a new record–less than 8 days 10 …hours?? I have some great stories but don’t have time to share them now.
Our plane (10 seater) heads out to Mcgrath after lunch due to weather– it’s -33 degrees.
I’m Mcgrath.
03/15/10
Hi! It got down to -42 last night. I was all bundled up when I went out to check dogs with the other vets–one from OR, one from NY, one from AZ one from Germany and myself. Great place here and having fun–inspite of the temps. The trail is fast and they are thinking there may be a new record–less than 8 days 10 …hours?? I have some great stories but don’t have time to share them now.
You can check out the iditirod race in pics at this website: http://iditarodblogs.com/images/category
