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01074-A: The Role of Enteropathogenic Bacteria in Diarrhea in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $12,960

Dr. Erica McKenzie, PhD, Oregon State University

February 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009

Breed(s): Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky

Project Summary

This is the first study to attempt to establish an apparent prevalence of these conditions in racing sled dogs and to attempt to define a causative etiology. The mushing community has been strongly suspicious of an infectious etiology for the occurrence of diarrhea, with recent concern focused on Clostridium spp. and leading to inappropriate use of crude vaccines. However, this study did not identify any association between Clostridium perfringens or Clostridium difficile or their respective toxins and the occurrence of diarrhea or fecal blood in racing sled dogs.

Publication(s)

McKenzie, E., Riehl, J., Banse, H., Kass, P.H., Nelson, S., Jr, Marks, S.L., 2010, Prevalence of Diarrhea and Enteropathogens in Racing Sled Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 24, 97-103. McKenzie, E., Lupfer, C., Banse, H., Hinchcliff, K., Love, S., Nelson, S., Jr, Davis, M., Payton, M., Pastey, M., 2010, Hypogammaglobulinemia in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 24, 179-184.