Albuquerque Journal Articles
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 falling cosmic monsters. Every exposure worsens their fears. The far-off hiss of a propane burner or a multi-colored speck in the distance can trigger overwhelming terror. Phobias are not logical. Dogs saddled 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 distress. You can keep a balloon phobic dog’s brain intact by helping…
There may be a new and ugly infection of dogs that could spell trouble – or maybe not. Confirmed so far in only a handful dogs in Ohio, the organism, called circovirus, has been implicated in cases of severe, sudden onset vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and physical depression. Speculation is rampant. Here is what we know so far. Circovirus causes, or may be involved in causing, marked inflammation of blood vessels, called vasculitis, potentially leading to tissue death. So far it has largely been considered a secondary infectious agent How prevalent is circovirus? One report showed the virus in 11.3%…
Chewable Anxitane can make a Difference Question: I will retire soon to Ecuador and my two cats will be relocating with me. The plan is for them to travel in their carriers in the aircraft cabin underneath the seat. Unfortunately this will involve several changes in aircraft. Should I break up a very long day of travel with an extra over-night or try to get the trip completed as quickly as possible? I just want to do what’s best for them – they are my best buds and leaving them behind is not an option. The kitties are both 10…
Stomach or Intestinal Causes are Most Likely Question: My oddball cat loves to lick shiny plastic bags, such as Ziplocs and dry cleaning bags. What is that about? Dr. Nichol: It seems that every month or so some new exotic cat breed appears on the scene. Is Oddball one of those high falutin’ designer cats? I want to see photos of oddball cats so I can learn to identify them. Veterinarians should know these things. There can be a variety of reasons for licking behavior, whether directed at skin, metal, concrete, air, or plastic. Oddball is not missing essential nutrients;…
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…