I am in awe of the mushers and the dogs. Nowhere is there anything more challenging or more rewarding.
Velvet Rogers, Palm Springs, California
Letter from Head Veterinarian
2008 marks the 25th Running of the Yukon Quest. It will be a banner year and we are looking forward to a great race. The 2008 Yukon Quest Veterinary Team includes 12 veterinarians and 3 veterinary assistants who will travel along the trail, as well as back-up and on call veterinarians who are available should their services be required.
Our experienced veterinary team members have provided medical care for sled dog races over many, many years. Eight veterinarians on this year’s Yukon Quest Veterinary Team have served as the Head Veterinarian for previous Yukon Quest and/or other major sled dog races. They bring to the trail a wealth of knowledge about this incredible sport, and this race in particular.
They are members of the ISDVMA (International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association), an organization that is at the leading edge of sled dog veterinary research and is comprised of veterinarians who are dedicated to the health and welfare of these wonderful canine athletes. This year’s Yukon Quest Veterinary Team members come from Canada, Spain, Germany, and the United States.
The mushers list shows several returning Yukon Quest veterans, including three previous Yukon Quest Champions and one Iditarod winner who won both races in 2007. This year’s rookie mushers will have a wonderful opportunity learn through their observations of the Yukon Quest in progress and via mentoring from the wealth of practical knowledge their fellow mushers, the Veterinary Team and the Race Officials bring with them to the Yukon Quest.
The mushers’ tremendous experience and knowledge of dog care combined with that of the veterinary team forms a win-win partnership dedicated to keeping Yukon Quest sled dogs happy and healthy from the Pre-Race Vet Checks until the last dog team crosses the Finish Line.
We are enjoying good snow in the North now, we have fantastic teams of canine athletes in training for their race, a great field of mushers, an excellent roster of Race Officials, and a Veterinary Team with whom I am proud to be associated. This is going to be one great race!
Dr. Vern Starks, DVM; 2008 Yukon Quest Head Veterinarian
Our experienced veterinary team members have provided medical care for sled dog races over many, many years. Eight veterinarians on this year’s Yukon Quest Veterinary Team have served as the Head Veterinarian for previous Yukon Quest and/or other major sled dog races. They bring to the trail a wealth of knowledge about this incredible sport, and this race in particular.
They are members of the ISDVMA (International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association), an organization that is at the leading edge of sled dog veterinary research and is comprised of veterinarians who are dedicated to the health and welfare of these wonderful canine athletes. This year’s Yukon Quest Veterinary Team members come from Canada, Spain, Germany, and the United States.
The mushers list shows several returning Yukon Quest veterans, including three previous Yukon Quest Champions and one Iditarod winner who won both races in 2007. This year’s rookie mushers will have a wonderful opportunity learn through their observations of the Yukon Quest in progress and via mentoring from the wealth of practical knowledge their fellow mushers, the Veterinary Team and the Race Officials bring with them to the Yukon Quest.
The mushers’ tremendous experience and knowledge of dog care combined with that of the veterinary team forms a win-win partnership dedicated to keeping Yukon Quest sled dogs happy and healthy from the Pre-Race Vet Checks until the last dog team crosses the Finish Line.
We are enjoying good snow in the North now, we have fantastic teams of canine athletes in training for their race, a great field of mushers, an excellent roster of Race Officials, and a Veterinary Team with whom I am proud to be associated. This is going to be one great race!
Dr. Vern Starks, DVM; 2008 Yukon Quest Head Veterinarian
