Per the rules, if a dog dies, the muscher must bring the body to the next check point where a vet does a Necropsy (I think that's a brief autopsy) delaying hte musher for several hours. If there is any sign of abuse, themushed is disqualified.
Last year, one dog died of an undiagnosed heart malfunction. The year before, the one dog that died left the musher in tears.
This lady is an idiot.
I've met two Iditarod veterans. One of whom my kids also met his dogs. They are extremely well taken care of.
First off, Cub Scouting rocks! Greetings from the Blackhawk Council.
Second, necropsy is the term for a post-mortem on an animal. The only difference between an autopsy and a necropsy is that the subject in a necropsy isn't human.