Albuquerque Journal Articles
To Help: Find Out Why Question: About 6 months ago, our 15 year old Shih Tzu developed a new fear. We think he may have sun downer syndrome. Late afternoon he starts stretching his head way out and sniffing the air like crazy. Shortly after the sniffing starts, he begins to tremble violently. This usually goes on for an hour, sniffing and shaking. He always was afraid of thunder and gunshots/fireworks, but now he is deaf. We find no specific item that triggers this fear. Dr. Nichol: I’m sorry to learn of your Shih Tzu’s struggles. Older dogs, like elderly…
Fussy or Sick? Question: We have a dog that we have difficulty feeding. He is a very finicky eater. Most of the time he’ll eat frankfurters but nothing else. We began giving him those because we were afraid he would get sick not eating. What should we do to help him? Dr. Nichol: You may be the caretaker of a healthy dog who has conned you with common canine chicanery. By accepting only frankfurters he has reinforced your behavior. Turning up his nose when you have shown the temerity to offer him dog food has amounted to a punishment for…
Adopt Kittens in Pairs Question: I have always had a cat throughout my 60 years. Several months ago we lost our last cat and we were broken hearted. I would like to find two cats/kittens from the same litter. Would it be a problem finding two different kittens that would live together? We want a cat that would be inside only and who loves to be in our lap. Is that something that you train a cat to do (lap-sit)? Dr. Nichol: We all want pets who personify peace and tolerance, holding paws, singing kumbaya, and behaving more like pacifists…
Not a Road Map to Feline Health Tony is a 12 year old kitty who started fussing for food frequently. But when his family was petting him they realized that he wasn’t just being pesky. Despite packing away the groceries this feline senior was losing weight. On physical exam Tony’s heart rate was faster than normal. Palpation of his internal organs, including his thyroid glands, revealed nothing unusual. So I submitted a comprehensive blood profile. Cats with an AARP card (over age 10) should have an annual exam and lab profile including a thyroid screen. Last year Tony’s thyroid test,…
PTSD is Treatable Question: We have a golden retriever that was given to us when he was 1 1/2 years old. In his previous life, he was taken to two different classes where he was subjected to fear and pain through a shock collar. Ever since we have had him (15 months), he has terrible nightmares where he screams at the top of his lungs in fear. They occur 3-8 times a month. Otherwise he is a great dog and very happy during his waking hours. Is there anything we can do to eliminate “the night demons” from giving him…
Neutering is Best Question: Recently a neighbor got a dog from a shelter and “Rowdy” was a what ‘appeared’ to be an intact male. But the new owner said that was how males can be neutered now, just ‘clipped’ but not the testicles removed. I thought the idea of neutering was to not only prevent breeding but also to reduce prostate cancer? Is this the new neutering procedure for male dogs and how now can one tell if a male dog has been neutered? Dr. Nichol: Your neighbor may be confusing surgical removal of the testicles with a vasectomy or…
Question: Hermione, our 11 year old long haired calico, was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. She received a month of treatment per our veterinarian. We then made a tough decision to stop all treatment. Two weeks later Minie has increased energy, is eating somewhat better, and is again engaging in household life. But all of the fur under her head and all the way down her front has all dropped off. Dr. Nichol: I’m delighted that Hermione is feeling better but she may not be out of the woods. Hepatic lipidosis (aka fatty liver disease) is serious business. Cats who are…
Teach Avoidance without Electric Shock Question: Do you have information on humane rattlesnake “proofing” techniques for dogs? It seems to me that keeping your dog on leash would be a better solution, so I don’t need it for myself. In Santa Fe they are using shock collars for this purpose, and I would like to suggest an alternative method to one of the handlers that is not comfortable with having his dog shocked. Personally, I am shocked that anyone is instructing dog owners in that method. Dr. Nichol: Shocked? I’m incredulous. I love my dog. No way would I subject…
Are We Having Fun Yet? Question: I have indoor cats. One of the black cats (Toby) has gotten aggressive with the others and he started to spray about 6 months ago. I have never had this happen before so I am not sure what to do or where to go. I have used Nature’s Miracle everywhere. There have been no changes in the house so I am just not sure why all of a sudden this is happening. Dr. Nichol: We frown on cats decorating our walls, don’t we? Actually, nobody is having fun at your house. Toby’s aggression and…
Regurgitation is Dangerous Question: Blue Boy is a Sphynx cat, 13 years old. Ever since he was a kitten he has scooped food into his mouth like a bull dozer and chewed it while growling. After he stuffed himself he would regurgitate it and run away. I fed him tiny amounts at a time and he was able to keep that down. He acts hungry all the time. Is my cat bulimic? Dr. Nichol: Blue Boy is not bulimic. Even if he were a fashion model he wouldn’t care what anyone else thought. He’s a cat for cryin’ out loud!…