Tours in Fairbanks
Black Spruce Dog Sledding is open most of the year!
*Advanced reservations are required for touring with us*
“There’s gold in them there hills!” (And, snow in those mountains!)
Fall is here, and winter not far away.
Ever heard of “intestinal intussusception?” Neither had we - until Tuesday...
On Saturday morning, Hvitserk came back from his training run just “off.” Not his usual peak performance. That evening, he was slow to eat - completely unlike him. The next morning he presented with vomiting and diarrhea. We immediately took his temp, felt for abdominal bloating, and checked for pupil dilation. All normal. Since Hvitserk is just over one year old, we thought he maybe had a simple flu bug, and his immune system was just over-reacting. But his condition did not improve at all on Sunday, and by Monday night he had worsened. He found it impossible to get comfortable, even on a bed of blankets, and alternated between stretching out and curling up, while crying. On Tuesday morning he immediately vomited a small sip of water, and we knew we had waited long enough - maybe too long - to take him to the vet.
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@chenavet admitted Hvitserk immediately. Dr Rember diagnosed Hvitserk’s condition as intestinal intussusception, and described it as the intestines “telescoping” in on themselves. Or as Jeff said, like a shirt sleeve being turned inside out. Hvitserk’s condition was critical and we got him in just in time.
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Mushers pride themselves on knowing which medical issues are emergencies, and which issues will fix themselves at home. This was one of those legit emergencies that absolutely required professional care. We know that without that crazy magic called #science and the professionals who know how to apply it, Hvitserk would not be with us today.
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But he is! Although still critical due to the sensitive site of the injury and the high risk for infection, Hvitserk feels GREAT and is definitely resenting his crate confinement.
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If you want to help with this shiny new medical bill, please check out the Small Sponsorship page on our website (link in the bio). Sponsorship increments start at just $15!
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Sponsors who give at least $200 will receive a poster print of “Papa Joe,” an original watercolor from Jeff’s late father, Eric Deeter. This art collection is huge and we plan to release a new poster each year.
First mouse in the books! ✅
#goodkitty #murdermitts
Unofficial social media poll: It’s 45 degrees and raining in Fairbanks, Alaska. Would you rather be A) working gravel in the dog yard; or B) in the office applying for CARES Grant funding? 🧐🤪😅