Skrevet av: Mina Sveen; translated by Saija Mikkilä
Dato: 14.03.2008 06:01
The chief veterenary Charlotte Lechbrandt promises that the dogs are taken care in a proper manner. Together with Kine Jøraholmen (photo) and eight other veterenaries she is making sure that health of the dogs is the top priority.
- Mushers make the decisions conserning the dogs but we can give them our recommendation, says Charlotte Lechbrandt, the chief veterenary at Finnmarksløpet. In this years race she has been be forced to give recommendations to take severel dogs out of the race because of diarrhea. And the recommendations have been followed.
Gives everything
- We have seen some sore muscles and tendons this year. We have noticed that is very often the tendon on the backside of the leg that burdenes a lot.
- Of course the dogs are worn out but that is not harmful. Finnmarksløpet is well within the limits for the responsible care of the animals, says Lechbrandt.
Constant evaluation
The dogs are examined in every check-point during the race. Mushers are actively asking check-ups for the dogs. The red veterenary jacket is easy to notice among the yellow reflector vests and musher out-fits. It seems like that the red jackets are near by almost all the time.