Albuquerque Journal Articles
Feral at 8 Weeks Question: There is a tame but stray cat in our back yard. She recently had 3 kittens, who are now 8 weeks old. The kittens seem feral, but we suspect the mom used to have a home. What should we do? We would like to adopt the mom, but if she is not spayed soon, she may have another litter. Dr. Nichol: Your commitment to this cat family is certainly their best hope but the road ahead for the kids may be challenging. There are multiple factors affecting their fuzzy little personalities. Beyond genetics and environmental…
Allergies & Smoldering Infection Question: My 10 year old cat has had eye drainage for quite a while. My veterinarian referred us to an ophthalmologist who thought it might be an allergy. Prescription food z/d did not help. He also has recurring sores above both eyes that he scratches open. Dr. Nichol: Your poor kitty sounds miserable with that discharge and the wounds on his face. Having ruled-out eye disease the ophthalmologist may be right about an allergy. Airborne pollens and other particles irritating the tissues beneath your boy’s eyelids could be responsible. Hair loss and chronic wounds on the…
“Why, that’s Ridiculous!” Question: We recently adopted a terrier that’s about 18 months old. We just love him, however, he constantly follows us around at every move. When my husband and I are sitting watching TV or reading and one of us gets up, he follows us-this is a constant routine. Is something wrong with him? Our dog has been fixed but at the dog park recently he was humping a female dog. Did the “Fix” not work? Dr. Nichol: Your fine new terrier is hopelessly devoted to you folks partly because he’s never had it so good. You are…
Serious Infections I’ve cared for multiple species during my career, including a few pigs. To my knowledge, no person has fed dog ears to their pigs but, sadly, the opposite is commonplace. The pigs may now be getting their revenge. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has discovered an outbreak of Salmonella infections in dogs who have consumed prepared porcine pinnas (pig ears). I don’t want to be a boar but this could get messy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that this particular strain of the Salmonella bacteria is resistant to multiple antibiotics. Beyond the canine risk,…
Most Do Best Alone in the Jungle Question: I adopted two female cats from the shelter 3 years ago. One was a year old; the other was three. The younger one has always been energetic and playful, while the other’s favorite activities were sleeping, observing, and hiding. The older cat recently died. I’m now wondering if my remaining cat “needs” a friend. I’d prefer to not adopt an additional cat due to the risk of unknowingly choosing one that comes with high medical bills or potential behavior problems. Dr. Nichol: I’m sorry for the loss of your older kitty. Despite…
Observant Pet Parents & Preventive Care Save Lives In the pet popularity contest cats are a close second to dogs, yet they get much less preventive medical care. That’s because of a widespread misperception that they’re lower maintenance pets. That just isn’t so. Oh sure, they can stay indoors, munch from a brimming bowl of dry food, and then poop in a box. It’s what you don’t know about your cat’s health that could be a killer. Sadly, your cat hates going to the veterinarian-and so do you. I get it. But thanks to Fear Free handling methods scared kitties…
She can Work to Earn Question: I adopted my lab mix at age 3 months. She has been dominant, aggressive, independent, and a bully from the beginning. She is now 3 years old and has had two obedience classes, but with no success. She attacked and bullied the other dogs in the class. She pulls incessantly on the leash. She has knocked down me and my husband several times. I am 72 years old and almost broke a bone. I will NEVER walk her again because it is too dangerous for me. She is not aggressive with people. Medications such…
Rapid Growth & the Wrong Food Well-intentioned pet parents dabbled in dog and cat nutrition long before the surge in popularity of raw and grain-free diets. This is no job for amateurs. I’ve read the research and I’ve treated the orthopedic consequences and the raging internal disorders. Inappropriate feeding is particularly dangerous for big breed puppies because the wrong nutrients raise their risk of joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia. Heredity is certainly a factor for many large-to-gargantuan breed puppies with congenital lameness but what they eat and the speed of their weight gain also matter. That’s because rapid…
Protection for Diminishing Birds Question: I was disappointed in your reply to the owner of the “trophy hunting cat” in the July 19 Albuquerque Journal. While you made good points about diseases transmitted to pets and potentially to humans, you missed the opportunity to address another serious issue: birds, small mammals and reptiles killed by domestic and feral cats. This cat owner should have been chastised for allowing this cat to kill “helpless animals”. They seemed to be proud while they should really feel ashamed. Animal species are declining and many bird species are plummeting. I also love cats and…
Tularemia, Plague, Rabies, & Hanta Virus Question: Our formerly feral five-year-old cat is now a tamed cuddler, purrer, and a chatterer. Her favorite activity is catching baby rabbits, baby squirrels, lizards, mice and birds. She is proud to bring these finds in, which get tossed out immediately. Could she contract Hantavirus or other diseases from hunting these wild animals? Dr. Nichol: Your feline wild child is in predator heaven but you are right to be concerned. Rodents, lizards, and rabbits are in generous supply, birds not so much. Then there’s infectious disease. A recent update from State Veterinarian Dr. Ralph…