Albuquerque Journal Articles
Thorough Vaccination will Diminish Risk Question: A friend with connections to a therapy dog group emailed me about two “new” dog illnesses. They seem serious. Dr. Nichol: Not only are dog owners worried, veterinarians have been sharing information about the recent uptick in canine parvo, a nasty virus that invades the lining of the small intestines, destroying the cells that absorb nutrients. Infected dogs get sick fast with dehydration, poor appetites, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Without early and intensive in-hospital treatment puppies especially, can go into shock and die quickly. Worldwide, parvo occurs more commonly during warmer, wetter seasons. My…
Patient repetition of Rewards for Courage Question: My mom is a young widow. And very lonely. She mentioned she wanted a cocker. So I surprised her with one for Christmas. She loves him dearly, but he is a submissive urinator. He is 10 months old and despite obedience classes and behavior modification he isn’t getting better. My vet suggested, as a last resort, Clomicalm to see if we took the nervous edge off Presley he may break the habit of submission. Dr. Nichol: I feel bad for dogs like Presley. He becomes so overwhelmed that the neurologic mechanisms regulating his…
Intermittent Lameness does Not Signal an immediate Crisis Question: We have a Pomeranian who weighs 10 pounds and just turned 1year. We have been told he has luxating patella dislocating in both kneecaps. He is very active and only shows favor to his knee maybe once a month. Is it possible the bones will form correctly over time? At what age should we consider surgery? What is the down time and what would be the best way to keep this active pup quiet during his healing process? Dr. Nichol: I know exactly what you mean about your playful, young Pomeranian.…
Avoid touching Behind the Shoulders Question: I have a four year old female cat that will, on occasion, viciously bite me without warning when I pet her. When my previous cat would bite, I chalked it up to over-stimulation because I could detect warning signs (tail flicking and ears flattened). This cat, however, craves the affection – until she suddenly bites like a snake! Could it be because she didn’t learn boundaries by playing with kitty siblings? Should I tone down my affection? Signed, Cut-up owner of Cobra Cat Dear Cut-up: Is that your real name? Maybe it’s just what…
Anal Gland need Maintenance; maybe Removal Question: I had to have my cat’s analog glands taken out. Since then he has been scooching on carpet. I had him checked for worms. I had them put him on meds for a week but he is still doing it. Dr. Nichol: Our pets’ rear ends can be strange and mysterious, so unlike ours. The specialized structures on either side of their anuses, called anal glands, are located in the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. While this may bring to mind an analog clock face, don’t confuse any of this with a…
One Day Housetraining is Fast & Simple Question: My puppy is 10 weeks old and has been paper trained since 4 weeks. I want him to go outside so I started gradually moving the pads closer to the dog door. I have taken him out on the leash after eating and then he messes inside. He has found some favorite spots in the house. I do not want to settle for a paper trained adult dog. Dr. Nichol: I agree. No adult should settle for being paper trained. Bathroom etiquette and a high school diploma are the bare minimum for…
A Trip to the Doctor means Managing Travel Anxiety 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 summer wind, mixed with dust, pollens, and occasional wildfire smoke, there are plenty of dogs with the same symptoms. The pink tissues beneath your shepherd’s…
Correct the Bad Behavior while Reinforcing Correct Human Interactions Question: My kitten is 10 weeks old and is constantly biting and scratching my family’s hands and feet. How we can solve this? Dr. Nichol: Well, you could wear mittens and boots all summer but then your kitten would be in charge. Next thing you know he’ll embark on a life of crime and politics. Take control now. Jack the Ripper may seem like a force of nature but he’s really just an active young hellion with a strong need for social contact. In the absence of his mother and siblings…
Myasthenia Gravis may be the Cause Question: Why does my Jack Russell (5 months) get sick when he drinks? Every time the poor little guy gets a drink, especially first thing in morning, he throws it back up. Dr. Nichol: If little Jack (May I call him Jack?) is like others of his ilk, he does everything fast. If he is just guzzling water fiendishly, a Drink Better bowl would be a great way of slowing him down. But there may be much more to his problem. He could have megaesophagus – a bulging of the tube that runs from…
Itchy Cat with Diarrhea Food and Airborne Allergies Likely Question: Pippi, my 4 year old Maine Coon cat first suffered with indolent ulcers at six months of age that has been controlled with z/d diet. Since January Pippi has formed stools for weeks and then reverts to “little cow pies”. Lately, she startles with itching and then frantically grooms her lower abdomen and the insides of her legs and arms. I know the excessive grooming and diarrhea can have an emotional component. We love this girl and want her to be comfortable. Dr. Nichol: Emotional component? I can only imagine…