Contemporary Health Hazards of the Greenland Sled Dog in Greenland: Ullutsinni Qimmit Qimmutut Napaatigisinnaasaat

The Greenland sled dog (Canis familiaris borealis) represents a several thousand-year-old human-animal symbiosis. The dog has been used for a variety of purposes throughout time and space, but the close human-dog relationship has persisted. Today, the largest remaining population exists in Greenland where it is relatively unchanged and thus with a relatively high genetic continuity through time, and escaping post-colonial admixture with other dog breeds. But these dogs, along with their cultural and historic significance, are disappearing at a drastic pace and a wish to preserve them has been expressed across Greenland. Potential solutions are multifaceted but among other includes an understanding of the most
important contemporary health threats for the sled dogs in a drastically changing Arctic. Through the work herein we greatly increase the understanding of health and health hazards among sled dogs in Greenland – a study which has never been conducted before. Moreover, by means of ‘applied science’ we have directed our efforts at health-related issues that have potential for change by various public and
private decision-makers.
We sampled more than 400 dogs and analyzed health parameters through physical examinations, blood analyses, hair analysis, and parasitological analyses based on fecal and tissue samples. We also participated in research into the genetic make-up and origin of the dogs and gathered owner experiences through surveys about health and management. Moreover, by studying characteristics of police records pertaining to animal welfare offences, we gained information about relevant health hazards related to circumstances where management fails, but also on the role of law enforcement in animal welfare. This dissertation, as such, presents the findings thereof and provides recommendations that can guide efforts to ensure future sustainability and welfare of the breed. Nine scientific reports offer a wealth of
information pertaining to health hazards of modern sled dogs in Greenland, but a very brief selection of findings include that the most prevalent clinical health issues are tooth fractures (+/- abscesses), bite wounds, viral disease, gastrointestinal disease, parasitism and energy deficiency/low body condition.
More generalized health hazards are risk of inbreeding and effects of bioaccumulating toxic pollutants originating predominantly from a wildlife diet.
The Greenland sled dogs are remarkably resilient, but they do suffer from a handful of common health conditions which are however preventable and typically treatable from a relatively simple veterinary treatment setup. Stakeholders and national decisions-makers are recommended to i) prioritize protection of sled dogs and associated culture in Greenland among other by ii) supporting efforts to mitigate health hazards described herein, and iii) increasing veterinary access.