Albuquerque Journal Articles
Get Serious about Pet Proofing Do you know what xylitol is? If you’re a dog owner it’s time you did. Here is the story of a family that understood the risks of this sugar substitute, did their best to pet-proof their house, but their dog “Zoe” outfoxed them anyway. “We were gone for less than two hours. During that time Zoe went into our closet and got a sealed plastic container of Spry gum (containing xylitol) that was on a shelf. She somehow removed the lid and consumed about half the gum. When we got home we saw what she…
Read MoreConsider Physical or Behavioral Causes Question: Our Siberian husky eats towels, clothes, bedding – had surgery yesterday to remove a hand towel from his small intestine. 3 incisions later and almost losing him show we need help! Dr. Nichol: Eating nonfood items, called pica, is not a rare problem. Your husky is fortunate that his latest dietary escapade ended well. Some dogs are more discriminating, preferring-sorry about this-women’s underwear. Wadded-up fabric can quickly compress intestinal blood vessels, causing tissue breakdown, bacterial leakage, and even death by septic peritonitis. There are multiple possible causes for this high-risk behavior. Some dogs have…
Read MoreElectrocuted and Concussed “Chico” Survives Last week I shared tales of a few foolish felines who reached heights they could hardly handle. Here’s the story of “Chico”, told by his caring and faithful owner. Fasten your safety belt. It’s pretty harrowing. “Chico was chased up this 30-ft utility poll by the neighbor’s dogs. No way he was coming down on his own. After calling animal control, the fire department, and PNM we thought he was doomed since nobody would come to his rescue. After sunset, and nightfall – we said night night to Chico with a flash light. Finally shortly…
Read MoreAllergies & Mange need Medical Attention Question: We got our cat, LuLu, from a shelter 10 months ago when she was 8 months old. She has always liked to have her head rubbed pretty hard and she rubs her cheeks against hard areas like walls or bed posts to the point she has rubbed off her left whiskers. The right ones are showing wear and tear, too. She drinks by dipping her paw in the water and licking it off. She is active, eats well and seems perfectly healthy. She is also a totally indoor cat. We have a male…
Read MoreTravel Anxiety makes it Hard to go to the Veterinarian Question: We have an older female German shepherd that for the past couple of months has ‘matter’ in both eyes off and on. I wipe off the material and rinse the eyes with “Eye Relief’ but in a few days it returns. She is terrified to leave the yard and go in a car so I hate to cause her the stress! Dr. Nichol: With the wind, dust, pollen, and – worst case – wildfire smoke, New Mexico summers can bring on the eye discharge and snot for anybody. Continued…
Read MoreBooby Traps & Window Coverings can Help Question: My male neutered cat Giorgio has been acting out for about a year; he is 100% indoors. Sometimes a cat outside will make him hiss and growl, but he also lunges if I go nearby even an hour later. He continues to have a low growl and will attack anyone or my other cat with viscous intent. He then goes under a bed and will stalk and continue to growl for 3-5 days. All is well in the food and deposit department. Dr. Nichol- Giorgio is certainly one cranky cat, but at…
Read MoreHyperthyroidism Responds Well to Treatment A super active kitty visited recently for a behavioral concern. At first glance you might take her for a playful kitten, jumping onto the counters and exam table, purring loudly, and rubbing against me. The fly in the ointment was her age: 13 years. She’d become incessantly active at home and had begun bullying the other cats when she should have been drinking iced tea on the shuffle board court. It didn’t add up. This old biddy wasn’t really having fun. On further observation she was actually frantic as she panted nervously while bouncing around…
Read MoreDiagnosis may be Complex; Relief is Essential Question: I have a Great Pyrenees dog, 10 years old. For the past 6 months he acts like he has sleep apnea: he tries to get to sleep, but constantly awakes unable to catch his breathe. He’s big. He doesn’t seem to have it worse when he’s running or barking (which he does less and for shorter periods now – but he’s old) he does often seem to be breathing heavier even when just resting. He’s always groaned when he lies down. Likely arthritic, but I don’t give him anything for it. Lung…
Read MoreAppetite Loss is the Greater Concern Question: My cat has an ear hematoma. It was first drained and then injected with steroids. Her veterinarian also gave her ear drops for a yeast infection and an injection of antibiotics. This has been going on for about a week and now she’s not eating. I’m afraid I might lose her. Dr. Nichol: Your kitty’s appetite loss is a serious red flag; a dangerous series of physical events can be set in motion by a failure to eat, especially worrisome for cats who are overweight or obese. The end result can be terminal…
Read MoreDiet can Help but Manual Expression is a Must Question: I have a 2 year old Apple head Chihuahua. Her name is Sunny and so is her disposition! She has had a problem in the past needing her anal glands expressed. Our veterinarian recommended a list of several different food choices. I have tried several on the list, however they all have small kernels and she chokes on them easily. Last night I was in fear of performing a doggy Heimlich maneuver. Dr. Nichol: Anal glands just have to be the most unfun, uncouth, and undignified part of a dog’s…
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