Albuquerque Journal Articles
Head Halters are Safe and Effective Question: How do you feel about choke collars for dogs? Dr. Nichol: You ask a complex question with behavioral as well as physical implications. Walking a dog is a lot more fun when everybody is under control but jerking on a pet’s neck can have unintended consequences. There are good alternatives. Most thick furred brutes like malamutes and Chow Chows are sturdy and difficult to injure but some small breed dogs like miniature poodles, Yorkies, and Pomeranians have collapsing tracheas (windpipes) that can suffer permanent damage. Many others, including dachshunds, beagles, and Maltese, have…
Ear Mites Cause Pain & Injury Question: Hey my name is Christina and I live in North Carolina. I have a tom cat his name is Checkers. Tuesday I saw that his inner pinna has swollen. I was wandering is there anything I could do to help with the swollen part? Dr. Nichol: Hey Christina – it’s nice to get a letter all the way from the Tar Heel state. I could tell right away that you weren’t from these parts. New Mexicans see a puffy ear flap on a cat or a dog and think of a sopapilla. Your…
Attitudes toward Animals Matter Question: I’m concerned about the dog Dodo mentioned in your 2/10/17 column. “Dodo” can mean a stupid person, not one who might warrant respect. Or someone who acts stupidly, as the dog in your column who walks in a circle with his head tilted. I think these people should rename their dog: Sunshine, Sunny, or something that sounds like they care about him. My neighbor had a sweet pit bull whose name was Dip Stick. See what I mean? How awful! I’ve noticed that whenever I’ve dwelled on something with feeling, by continually looking at a…
Inner Ear Infection vs. a Brain Disorder Question: My dog is 4 years old, weighs 4 kilograms, no fever, his name is Dodo. Yesterday, he could not go straight but circling with his head tilt towards one side, but he eats well (we’ve been hand feeding him). Today is the second day of this syndrome. My family could notice small improvement as he could go straight in small distance, but we are now very worried and afraid of his situation. Can you tell us what is going wrong with our dog? We love him very much! Dr. Nichol: Dodo’s problem…
A Safe Haven Before Visitors Arrive Question: My cat Haley is 10 years old. When I have visitors she will attack them even when they are sleeping. She has attacked 2 babysitters. After 2 years she finally is ok with the current sitter. Yesterday my 16 year old had a friend over. The death growl started and she looked like she was going to launch through the air. She went under my bed then enters the 3 year old who said “It’s ok Haley”. Haley immediately stopped growling and rubbed him. Dr. Nichol: Haley’s aggression is partly territorial. Strangers look…
Allow the Little Ones to Drag the Leash at Home Question: I have a 4 month old cavachon puppy, adorable, playful, and lovable. Her name is Joy. On leash walks she emits the cry of a banshee, bucking wild bronco, putting on the brakes, and rolling. No amount of patient standing or treat offered helped, cuddled and held her to no avail and finally lying dead weight I carried her inside. I’ve had dogs all my life, none ever reacted this way. Dr. Nichol: The recently minted cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon…
Allow the Little Ones to Drag the Leash at Home Question: I have a 4 month old cavachon puppy, adorable, playful, and lovable. Her name is Joy. On leash walks she emits the cry of a banshee, bucking wild bronco, putting on the brakes, and rolling. No amount of patient standing or treat offered helped, cuddled and held her to no avail and finally lying dead weight I carried her inside. I’ve had dogs all my life, none ever reacted this way. Dr. Nichol: The recently minted cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon…
The Right Medication can make the Difference Question: Marley is a 2 year old, male tabby with his right rear leg amputated at the hip. He is getting around amazingly, a few weeks after surgery, full of speed and grace, but about every hour, his backside spasms for a few seconds- he hops involuntarily backwards, meows in distress/pain/confusion. Otherwise he rests contentedly, purrs when petted and is very chatty with his tail held high. Could it be nerve pain? Dr. Nichol: I am concerned about Marley. Losing a leg is unfortunate for any pet but outcomes are usually successful, especially…
Diagnose First, then Decide if Treatment is Necessary Question: I have a cock-a-poo with several warts. Our veterinarian said to use antibiotic cream but that didn’t help. He did not want to remove them because she is 14. What about using thuja or multi vitamins? Dr. Nichol: It’s no surprise that your canine senior has skin masses; everybody seems to get lumpy and bumpy with age. Miss America, the Nichol family dog, has a few beauty accents. We don’t mention them to her, she would only fret. It’s my job to worry. An accurate diagnosis always matters. Dr. Rebecca Mount,…
Fear is Easy to Manage with Oral Sileo Gel About this time next week many of us will be treated to (or cursed by) fireworks and even a few skyward gunshots, all to improve our outlook for a new year. Oh sure, these immature and potentially dangerous antics fall into the category of irresponsible human behavior but I write the Pet Care column. I’ll leave the commentary for the editorial page. Beyond the risk from fires, injuries, and bullets obeying the law of gravity, our pets can suffer badly. Emotional distress in dogs isn’t hard to recognize. Those who are…