Albuquerque Journal Articles
Seizures are a Major Challenge Question: Our 13 year old cat had been a diabetic for 9 months. We dropped her off for boarding but later received a call that she had gone ‘ critical’ but was stable. During our trip back home we were informed that she had had seizures. She was ok under anti-seizure medication but when it wore off the seizures started again. We were advised that euthanasia was the only humane option. Did our cat know us the last time we held her and said goodbye? We wish we had not left on our trip and…
Establish Health Status before Providing Dog Food Only Question: We have a dog that we have difficulty feeding. He is a very finicky eater. Most of the time he’ll eat frankfurters but nothing else. We began giving him those because we were afraid he would get sick not eating. What should we do to help him? Dr. Nichol: You may be the owner of a healthy dog who has duped you with a common brand of canine chicanery. By eating only frankfurters he has reinforced your “desirable” behavior of feeding him only frankfurters. Turning up his nose when you have…
Young Cats are More Likely to Accept a Newcomer Question: In May 2011, I adopted two female cats. The younger one is five now and has always been energetic and playful. The older cat recently died. I’m 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. As you move forward you are smart to gather information. Some cats enjoy company but if your girl…
Cover the Crate & apply Adaptil Wipes Question: Our Puggle is 4 years old. She is a fabulous dog . Just one problem. She goes crazy in a vehicle especially when she sees oncoming traffic. We have done a great deal of travel with her, it never gets easier. We have tried Benadryl to calm her….not! We have a barrier in the back of the jeep for her, she still jumps around back there and goes crazy. We tried a crate and she tore out of there. Dr. Nichol: Jeepers! I already know why your puggle struggles; facing oncoming traffic…
Sedation is Safer for Medical Care Question: I have a 15 year old cat who cannot stand to be touched by hands. He got extremely traumatized when he was neutered as a young boy and will only allow me to pet him with my feet. He is very long haired and has long claws. I had a groomer that he would allow to shave him but he started hyperventilating and slobbering and I was afraid he was going to have a heart attack. I am 80 years old and cannot handle him myself. I really hate to have him sedated…
Vaccinated Puppies & Adult Dog make Safe Friends Question: I am getting an 8 week old Lab puppy. I already have an older Lab who is fully vaccinated. I am concerned about protecting the pup from parvo. I plan on avoiding dog parks, pet stores, and sidewalks. I will also avoid taking her to my parents’ house because their dogs, though vaccinated, visit the dog park. I want to expose her to as many things as possible, but also keep her healthy. Are my parents a risk if they were just playing with their dogs? Can I still take my…
Separate Warring Cats, then Reintroduce Carefully Question: I have a brother and a sister cat. They used to be very loving to each other by sleeping, playing, and cuddling. Then the male cat swallowed a thread that led to an emergency surgery. Upon his return he was a “new” cat to her. She has since growled at him and wants nothing to do with him. He bullies her too. We have a cat tree and other vertical high spaces, plenty of indoor space for her to stay hidden, plenty of daily interactions with toys and supervised outside visits. Dr. Nichol:…
This Gut Wrenching Decision is an Essential Last Gift Question: My 16 1/2 year old cocker spaniel suffers from dementia, rear leg myelopathy, food sensitivity, abnormal kidney levels, a cataract, hearing impairment, and multiple benign lumps. Recently the dementia symptoms require ‘round the clock care. He’s lost all interest in food and I’ve had to force feed him by shoving food in his mouth. He’s been skin and bones for a month. I’m frustrated and don’t know if I’m doing the right thing by keeping him alive. I can’t bear the thought of euthanizing him. Dr. Nichol: Your love and…
Feline Senior Citizen needs a Thorough Geriatric Workup Question: I have a senior Siamese going on 17 years. She has eaten Iams dry food all her life, turning her nose up at anything else including chicken and fish. All of a sudden she quit eating and it seemed that her mouth was bothering her. I had her teeth cleaned and was given antibiotics for possible mouth problems. She seemed to feel better, but wants to now eat canned food and she begs for food while I am eating, which she never did before. She does not seem sick, but she…
Impacted A/G may be Sore following Expression Question: I have a 5 year old female Pomeranian, who was expressed yesterday. She is still whipping her head around to get to her bum. She can’t reach there because she is soo tiny. Is she supposed to still be irritated there? And is there something I can do to help her? Dr. Nichol: Anal glands are a real drag. An evolutionary vestige, similar to the rear end accessories of skunks, they are standard equipment on all dog and cat models. Your Pomeranian’s anal glands may have been impacted, meaning that the naturally…