ID: Blood Draw, ECG and Vet Checks

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: