(AP Photo)

An Idaho veterinarian who was one of 40 dog specialists who volunteered their services for the Iditarod says, despite injuries and deaths, dogs in the race are well-loved and well-treated.

Nampa, Idaho, veterinarian John Calhoun spent three weeks in the Alaskan wilds, being shuttled by plane to the race's various checkpoints, each staffed by four to six doctors and other race officials.

Dogs in the grueling 1,150-mile race mostly fall victim to the same kind of injuries as marathon runners, he said -- fatigue, pulled muscles and sore joints. On occasion, some injuries were more serious. Calhoun said one dog broke a leg stepping into a large hole left in the snow-packed trail by a passing moose.

But considering the number of dogs competing, Calhoun said there were few major injuries.

‘‘Everyone loves the dogs,’’ he said. ‘‘It was an amazing thing to watch.’’

An Associated Press story about his experience can be found here.

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