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Meet our Veterinarians

Working with the best!

Dr. Fane Reigel and Dr. Erica Lipsky are both FANTASTIC Vets in the Colorado Area. While they hail from different regions of Colorado both are committed to RMSDC and its Positive Professional Ethos to ensure both animal welfare and fairness in the Sport of Mushing and look forward to the coming season in supporting Happy Healthy Working Sled Dogs! At RMSDC we are committed to providing the best positive professional resources possible at Races and Events.  Per our by-laws, which are governed by International Sled Dog Racing Association,  As such, a Licensed Vet will be at all of our Races. 

VETERINARY REQUIREMENTs at Check-in

  • Mandatory Pre-Race Exam: A race veterinarian must examine all dogs before the event, and the Head Veterinarian, with the Race Marshal, can remove a dog or team for medical reasons.

  • Vaccinations and Deworming: Proof of current vaccinations and deworming will be required at time of check-in. Mushers must provide veterinary documentation proving their dogs are current on the following vaccinations: 

  • Mushers must maintain up-to-date health records for their team and present them to race officials or veterinarians at check-in.

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VACCINES REQUIRED:​

  • Rabies (ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY)

  • Distemper

  • Leptospirosis

  • Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis and tracheo-bronchitis)

  • Parvovirus

  • Kennel Cough: with protection against both Parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica. 

    • Vaccinations must be administered within a specific timeframe (e.g., within 36 months of the race and at least 21 days before the event for some distance races, though annual vaccinations are often recommended). 

 

Deworming Requirements

Dogs must have been administered a deworming agent containing Praziquantel within three months of the race start date. 

  • Identification: Dogs need identification, and the Musher will declare the dogs of the team being run at the time of check-in. No dog will be "exchanged for other dogs" unless the race is structured for specified "Pool". For RMSDC races, no exchanges are currently authorized.  Dogs can be dropped but must be declared to the Race Marshall, and Vet for reason for drop. 

  • Health Documentation: Mushers must keep a medical record, a "Vet Book" or Dog Team Diary, for each dog and present it at check-in and checkpoints if required.

  • Prohibited Drugs: Drugs that mask illness or enhance performance are forbidden, and dogs may undergo random drug testing.

  • Dog Care and Condition: Dogs must be trained and conditioned for extreme conditions, and veterinarians evaluate their body condition and general health iAW standards set-forth in by laws and International Sled Dog Rules and Regulations. 

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