Yesterday was a big day for SP Kennel. We took 37 potential Iditarod dogs to Fairbanks to have their ECGs (electro-cardiogram) and blood taken for analysis by the Iditarod veterinarian team. We then took them for their physical veterinarian checks.
Every dog running the Iditarod must pass these rigorous checks before they are declared fit to start the race. The ECGs are read by a cardiologist to look for any anomalies in their heart. The blood tests are scrutinised by the Iditarod veterinarian team who run a blood count (CBC) and a chemistry panel to check for liver and kidney function. The team looks for any inconsistencies that could compromise the dog’s ability to run the race.
Clyde hams it up for the camera with Jan; Mismo with Samantha and Sabrina
This year the team in Fairbanks was Tabitha Jones (AK), Shannan Hunter (WA), Jan Bullock (MT), Sabrina Pennington (WA) and Samantha Freeborn (AK) and took great care with our team mates. There were the old pros like Nacho and Willie who have been there many times before but then there were dogs like Chipper and Commando who were there for the first time. Thanks gals for being so patient and kind with our team!
Outlaw has a new girlfriend in Samantha; Scooter getting her ECG from Tabitha and Shannan while Moira looks on
We then visited Dr T Rose, our kennel vet, for the thorough physical exam which they all passed with flying colors – they’re looking fitter than ever!
Dr TRose checks out Izzy while Beemer patiently waits his turn; the Vet Check form
I asked some of the team about what they were doing and why:
I feel a bit sorry for the dogs, but it is good to know that they are healthy for their upcoming 1000 mile journey. I am glad to see that Outlaw recovered from his YQ injury. Best wishes to all SPK mushers and dogs.
Just out of curiosity! You have 38 racing dogs and 13 yearlings on your website so that is a total of 51 possible dogs to race in the Iditarod. I noticed that Commando was there and he's a yearling, so thats why I included the yearlings in the count. Why did some dogs not go to the Vet? Injured? Too young? How did you decide on the 37 out of the 51? Must say, I can't wait to see who is on the list! Good luck.
I flinched when Chica got her blood drawn but she's an old pro! Great job, guys! Everyone looks great! Let's have an awesome Iditarod! Want some snow? I'll gladly send some your way. 🙂
Lots of pre-race work going on. Love the picture of Outlaw and his new girlfriend. Hope everyone had a good checkup.
Great post you guys!!! Miss Quito and Mr. Mismo and all the pups look so sweet and stoick!!! They know the great race is coming!!! Lots of work and love involved in the vet checks on the part of all concerned!!! Great job and best of luck!!! 👏🙏❤️💚💜💙💛💖👣👣🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Woof, woof, woof!!!
Ditto to everyone's comments, and boy are these dogs brave – what pros!!! World-class 4-legged athletes and taken care of like favorite pets!!! Excellent policies by races such as YQ and Iditarod!!!
Looking forward to cheering wildly at my computer and wearing black and red 'til every SP Kennel athlete, 2 or 4 legs is home safe!!!
SP Kennel dogs are SO well behaved!! Nice to see our boy Chemo recovered from his sore tricep!! It was sweet seeing Samantha giving him kisses during his blood draw! Glad to hear everyone is happy and healthy!
wow great information my friends. For once I was glad to not see Chipper in the video- lol- a bit squeamish for her. I hope they all look great with their tests. BEST wishes for the Best Race ever for all the pups and mushers.
Padee Santa Rosa, CA
37 great check ups,
and only 32 get to go….
Oh boy, tough decisions to follow :-/
I am so impressed with how well the dogs behave. Sure kennel crew and vet staff are helping hold them, but honestly, vocabulary is limited.
They are truly trusting dogs.
Happy to hear the checks went well, and you have an excellent selection for your two teams. 🙂
Send the snow Carrie!
You too Nessmuk and Margaret from CT. Great dogs and mushers deserve a great trail this year.
Terrific post .. one of the best yet for vet check procedures.
Just fascinating. Thank for posting the video.
They've all got to be ready but only sixteen will hit the trail in harness. What a choice; I am glad I do not have to decide. They are all special and lovable and flat out wonderful. Hard to type with my fingers crossed but I have huge high hopes for this year's Iditarod. Still it will be a different race this time with the new trail and all. Luck and many prayers for Aliy and the Red Team. Y'all Go GO!!!
Fantastic, I had no clue as to the behind the scene care these athletes received…
Good job to all..
John F