The following comes from a telephone conversation on December 16, 2002 with Dr. Michael S. Davis regarding his article, "Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs as a Model of 'Ski Asthma,'" Michael S. Davis, et.al., American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The examinations took place in 2001 and 2002 in Nome, AK at the end of the Iditarod. "At the end of the race, the dogs come in, get petted, have their pictures taken, and then are fed and bedded down.  During that time, they receive their general veterinary exams by some really good vets and specialists.  We did our examinations about 24 hours after that," Dr. Davis said.

The study is similar to research done on Olympic caliber athletes, including Scandinavian cross-country skiers.  According to Dr. Davis, the Iditarod dogs and Olympic cross-country skiers are comparable examples of athletes in peak physical condition.  "I would challenge anyone to suggest that these dogs are debilitated.  None were abnormal on physical exam.  The conditions observed are considered to be sub-clinical," said Dr. Davis.

The symptoms consisted of mucous and inflammatory cells sitting on the airway surfaces.  According to Dr. Davis, the findings did not indicate impairment.

Dr. Davis explained that the dogs were examined in an area separate from where they were bedded down and cared for following the race. 

"To do the exams, we walked two dogs over at a time.  You had a leash in each hand, and just a day after the race, the dogs were leaping and pulling so strongly that it nearly jerked you off your feet.  I was told that you do not turn loose of the leashes, no matter what, even if you're being dragged face down in the snow.  Their athleticism is incredible.  They were ready to go again."

Dr. Davis said that he was disappointed that this study had been cited in anti-Iditarod statements.  "The findings of the study did not indicate any level of impairment," said Dr. Davis.  "From the position of this being a disease process, absolutely not."

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