Monday, March 31, 2008 - Page updated at 04:38 PM

Mackey dog Zorro to make full recovery, but racing days over

The veterinarian treating Lance Mackey's sled dog Zorro says he will make a full recovery from injuries suffered when he was hit by a snowmobile.

But Kobi Johnson says Zorro's racing days are probably over. The 9-year-old faces weeks of recovery for four broken ribs and severe bruising.

Johnson says Monday's MRI and an examination by a neurological specialist at The Animal Emergency Clinic in Tacoma found no need for emergency surgery.

Zorro was flown to Washington Sunday with the injuries suffered Friday when he was hit on the trail during the All Alaska Sweepstakes race.

Zorro is the foundation stud dog in Mackey's Comeback Kennel. Mackey is the only musher to record back-to-back wins in the 1,100-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and the 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

More Local News headlines...