Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Veterinary care is an important element of the race, says Dr. Vern Otte. An estimated 20 percent of the dogs dropped out of the race from a host of problems -- from illness and injury to not having the stamina or will to finish the 1,150-mile race.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Dr. Vern Otte was looking for a new hobby. He found it in a remote part of Alaska caring for the sled dog teams as they raced into his checkpoint.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
From April to September in Alaska, nature puts on a light show. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are most active late at night or early in the morning.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Temperatures can dip to -40-degrees F. While dogs run best at night, temperatures need to climb to just above 0 for optimal performance, explains Dr. Vern Otte.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
The elements in Alaska can be brutal. In most cases veterinarians pack their own clothing, sleeping bags and medical supplies.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Each of the Iditarod teams started with 16 dogs.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Mushers are required to take three breaks, two of which must be for eight hours.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
Sometimes attending veterinarians camped out in tents, and other times they sought refuge in a school gymnasium. On those special nights, it was truly a room with a view.
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Source: DVM360 MAGAZINE
April 16, 2010
There are 23 checkpoints for the sled dog teams. The teams may stay anywhere from two minutes to 24 hours. An average stay is six to eight hours.
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