Albuquerque Journal Articles
Heal well with Careful Treatment Question: We have a Rhodesian ridgeback, chow, Sheppard mix. I made the error of shaving his coat. Now these red bloody abrasions keep appearing. Dr. Nichol: As with any medical problem, attempting to diagnose a skin disorder without a physical exam would be a serious gamble. But – I suspect clipper burns. Without frequent lubrication the friction between those rapidly moving blades generates serious heat. Clipper burns are seldom severe but they are miserable and can take a few weeks to heal. Cleaning those wounds twice daily with a moist wash cloth is the safest…
Special Care is needed for Scared Dogs Question: We have a lab mix 2 years old. She’s had issues with trust but has done well, always sleeping inside. While my friend was pet sitting her daughter hid behind the door and when our dog came in she shut the door, scaring the dog. Now she will come up to the door but will not cross the threshold. We have tried coaxing her with treats and toys to no avail. We miss her terribly! The weather will be getting cold and I am fearful for her to be outside. Dr. Nichol:…
Testing Cats can Assure Human Safety Question: I have friends that have macular degeneration. One is legally blind. I have read Internet articles telling that cats can carry the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (cq). One of them states that Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of eye inflammation in the world. Could this be causing the eye problems that our long-term cat owner friends have? Dr. Nichol: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is transmissible between animals and humans. It’s caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite that can infect any warm-blooded mammal but cats are its definitive host. I’m…
Knee Caps need Repair. Stem Cells can Help Question: I have a 3 year old cockapoo and she was trying to jump and did something to her leg. She cried for about 30 seconds, it was horrifying. She was born with loose kneecaps. My veterinarian told me about stem cells. I’m skeptical with any new procedures. Are there side effects or possibly future problems? She loves to play and I’m afraid it might happen again. Dr. Nichol: That missed jump may have strained the tendons that support and guide your girl’s knee caps (patellas). Rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help…
Question: Will the mist of an essential oils diffuser bother my two male cats? How long is a cat’s memory? I will be gone for a month as my daughter is getting married in Little Rock, AR. Is there anything I can do to help them remember me? Dr. Nichol: Essential oils are fine for cats but a Feliway pheromone diffuser will promote a calmer emotional state for them. This will be especially important while you are away. Your boys will miss you but they are glad that you’ll be attending your daughter’s wedding. They are social creatures whose well-being…
Question: I have a nonprofit cat rescue, ForeclosurePets, here in Washington State (I am a NM native). I currently have a mom, who is very friendly, and her 3 kittens. They are about 9 weeks. I got them 2 weeks ago. The kittens will play at a distance with a teaser, and I have gotten them to eat wet food with me sitting on the floor near them. I need to get them people friendly. Dr. Nichol: Thanks for doing such important work. The mother cat’s affinity for you indicates that she had positive human exposure prior to the age…
Avoid the Fear Triggers; Reduce the Anxiety Balloon Fiesta is great fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak out from those cosmic monsters leering and looming over them. The far-off hiss of a propane burner or a multi-colored speck in the distance can trigger overwhelming terror. There’s nothing logical about phobias. Dogs with this irrational fear haven’t been physically assaulted by balloons but like humans with unfounded anxieties, they need special consideration. Hiding, trembling, and nervous panting are indicators of real misery. Simple avoidance will reduce the risk of a balloon-phobic dog’s head…
Vaginal Foxtail Awns cause Infection & Misery Question: My cat Mystic is a 3 year old spayed female. She scoots on our carpet and leaves a streak. Our veterinarian said that she was too fat to clean herself. Her anal glands were not a problem. She said that Mystic had a vaginal infection and the streak was not poop but vaginal discharge. She gave her a shot of antibiotics and a steroid injection. That was a month ago and Mystic still has the discharge that looks like dried blood. Her bottom looks swollen. Should I try another veterinarian? Dr. Nichol:…
A Bleeding Malignancy: Painful and Life-Ending Question: My 17 year-old beagle was diagnosed with a splenic tumor last week. She has arthritis in her hips and knees. She is too old for surgery. What is her life-expectancy? I’m assuming the tumor is malignant and aggressive since it wasn’t palpable in June and her hematocrit has dropped 12 points, which means it is hemorrhaging. She is eating well and ambulating without assistance. I think my girl is in some discomfort. She doesn’t vocalize much, but groans sometimes when she gets up and down. I’m giving her tramadol and Previcox. Dr. Nichol:…
Allergic Causes respond to Diet + Medication Question: Our 4 year old Maine Coon cat, Pippi, has suffered with indolent ulcers that are under control with Hill’s z/d. In January, she had reddened gums. Our veterinarian put her on an antibiotic. Within three days she had severe loose stools, so we discontinued the antibiotic. Since then she has formed stools for weeks and then loose stools for a few days. Lately, she is experiencing seasonal allergies that cause severe itching. She startles with the itching and then frantically grooms her lower abdomen and the insides of her legs and arms.…