Albuquerque Journal Articles
Dementia can be Treated Question: We are having a big problem with our Pekapoo. He is 15 1/2 and seems to be hyperactive at night due to Sundowning Syndrome where he very restless. He is going out 3-4 times per night. We have him in a calming vest, have given him Rescue Remedy and a Kong with peanut butter. Nothing is working and his agitation is increasing. We do not want to get him on tranquilizers. Dr. Nichol: You must have taken mighty good care of your Pekapoo for him to have reached such an advanced age. It is…
Frequent Brushing Benefits Skin & Emotional Well-Being Question: I have two cats, Snowball and Alfie who were rescued as newborns from a box in a feed store 8 years ago. Although they are brushed each day they both leave lots of cat hair everywhere. Their coats are healthy and shiny and they seem to be in good overall health, but the hair loss is constant even in winter. They get Science Diet or Iams dry and wet food. Dr. Nichol: I’ve been in practice a long time and I’ve seen a lot. Cats leaving cat hair? I’m OK with…
Intermittent Lameness does Not Signal an immediate Crisis Question: We have a Pomeranian who weighs 10 pounds and just turned 1year. We have been told he has luxating patella dislocating in both kneecaps. He is very active and only shows favor to his knee maybe once a month. Is it possible the bones will form correctly over time? At what age should we consider surgery? What is the down time and what would be the best way to keep this active pup quiet during his healing process? Dr. Nichol: I know exactly what you mean about your playful, young…
Dirty Restroom Facilities Create Trouble Question: Sadie is a large, four year old, spayed calico cat with a big rump. Consequently, she goes outside her box because she backs into a corner to do her business and hangs over the side. I would like to get a box with a cover but I have heard this could contribute to upper respiratory trouble. We have the largest litter box on the planet, but it keeps happening now and then. Dr. Nichol: Sadie is sending you a message: Her litter pan is a bit ripe. She wants to use it properly but…
Anxiety Quickly Leads to Fear Question: My 2 year old female Corgi is devoted to me–so much so that she will fight any dogs or people that get too close. While she’ll let me pet her, she will not get on my lap. She will get on my husband’s lap, nuzzle his hand, and sleep (with one eye open) but if he tries to hand me the TV remote she’ll growl and snap at him. If he passes by my chair she scurries over and growls and snaps. She hates windshield wipers and will jump up on the dash and…
The Road to Fatty Liver Disease 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)…
Don’t Wait for Symptoms-Have your Dog Examined & Tested FDA consumer alert: “Federal officials are warning consumers and veterinarians to be on alert for potentially deadly hyperthyroidism in dogs that have eaten Blue Buffalo Co. and WellPet food. The three separate alerts, posted Monday (March 27) by the Food and Drug Administration, include test results from three dogs and samples of “BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs” and/or “Wellness 95% Beef Topper for Dogs.” “Investigators are sure the source of the active thyroid hormone in the food is from animal gullets — laryngeal…
An Enriched Indoor Life would Improve Kitten’s Well-Being Question: My daughter has a 6 month old Tonkinese kitten. She brings any toy with catnip in it to her food bowl. She has to clean them off. She is doing her residency in anesthesia and leaving food out is necessary. What can she do to stop this habit? Dr. Nichol: OK, let me get this straight. Your daughter brings any toy with catnip in it to her food bowl? Oh, brother. I did my residency in veterinary behavior medicine so I’ll address the cat’s antics but take a pass on…
A Head Halter is a Great Leadership tool Question: I read the post on your facebook page about the Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd and felt an instant kinship! Our 1 year old Aussie shepherd is driving us nuts. In addition to nuisance barking at everything that moves, tearing around the house and the yard like a crazy bull in a china shop, she barks and lunges at strangers when I take her for walks. People cross the street to avoid her. She has not bitten anyone, but jumped on and scratched a lady, and now I’m worried about taking her to a…
Consider Mouth Pain from Dental or Kidney Disease Question: My long haired cat (Ragdoll) will be 16 this month. He gets badly matted. I have tried cutting out the mats, but they just come back worse than ever and around his rear which he doesn’t like being messed with. I’ve called groomers and veterinary clinics and they say “no” he is too old to be sedated for shaving. I am willing to do it myself and wondered if you could recommend a shaver for this type of procedure (low noise). Dr. Nichol: Of course dread locks are all the rage…