Albuquerque Journal Articles
Flurbiprofen: Safe for Humans-Deadly for Cats Do you need relief from joint or muscle pain? How about a skin cream that would avoid the side effects of oral antinflammatories and pain relievers? Many physicians are now prescribing topical medications that contain the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) flurbiprofen. It’s made a real difference for many people but it can deadly for their cats. Flurbiprofen (former brand name Ansaid) has been around for a while in oral and ophthalmic forms. It’s now available in pain creams that may also include the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine. The snuggling that makes life with an affectionate…
Rapid Growth can lead to Bone & Joint Disease Big breed dogs are at higher risk of joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Heredity is a factor but so are early nutrition and weight. Here is an update on healthy dietary management of puppies who will someday reach size large to gargantuan. The right food matters in part because rapid growth due to overfeeding or from a diet that is too calorie dense puts excessive load on soft, immature bones and joints. The result can be lameness and permanent damage. Life stage labels, like growth and adult on the…
Evaluate for Skin Disease before considering Behavioral Causes Question: My cat is pulling out her own fur several times a day- lots of it. She has bald patches now. She is 10 years old and had one other episode like this last summer that lasted 2 weeks and then stopped. She started this again a couple of weeks ago. Nothing has changed in the house. She seems fine otherwise. Dr. Nichol: Your poor kitty is suffering. Some over-grooming cats struggle with anxiety but research has shown that 85% of them have itchy skin. Behavioral signs may also be seen. Handling…
Read Labels of Prepared Foods & Snacks Have I ever mentioned that dogs and cats are not little people in furry suits? Oh, sure, they’re like us in lots of ways. They snuggle and play and talk to us, which may be why we keep them as pets rather than, say, cockroaches or earthworms. Be careful. There are species differences that can lead to trouble. From time-to-time in this column I’ve explained the risks of holiday hazards, household toxins, and human medications. But people food – especially the processed kind – can blindside you and your dog. A sugar substitute…
Motivate, have Fun, Never Punish Question: My nine month old kitten will not come when I call her. My other two cats come when they are called and for supper. I have to chase the kitten around the back yard and eventually lose that argument, and even the feather toy does not lure her into the house any more. Dr. Nichol: There are house rules and this naughty kitten needs to comply, darn it! Sadly, cats are different than we are. Despite how much we love them they are not little people in furry suits. But there are similarities. Some…
Reduce the Triggers, Reinforce Calm Behavior, & Medication Question: We rescued a beautiful female 18 month old shepherd/whippet from the Taos shelter. She had been left in the backyard by herself. She is terrified when she goes to the veterinary clinic. She hides behind me and even tries to climb up my back to get away! Her main problem is submissive/excitement urination. She just sees us and lets go. Dr. Nichol: That is one wigged out whippet. Imagine how terrified a human would be to lose that much control. Your dog’s frantic attempts to escape the good intentions of scary…
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…