Albuquerque Journal Articles
After Age 13 Well Immunized Pets are considered Protected for Life Question: Our dearly loved cat is 20. She has faithfully had her shots every year. She no longer goes outside. Is it necessary to subject her to shots any longer? Dr. Nichol: You must take mighty good care of your special cat. Old timers (chronologically challenged may be more politically correct) like your kitty can react badly to stresses like vaccines. The good news is that well immunized cats and dogs over 13 are considered to have a lifetime protection. Your cat gets a permanent vacation from vaccinations. The…
How Vaccines Work & the Risks of Too Much of a Good Thing Question: I read your column regularly and respect your advice. What do you think about this perspective? Summary of News Article: Are We Overvaccinating Our Pets? You may get notices from the veterinarian every year or two suggesting you revaccinate your pet for distemper, leukemia or other diseases. But now some vets are wondering whether the repeated doses can do more harm than good. Dr. Nichol: Your question is timely. In the last few weeks most of us have gotten more cautious. It seems like any…
What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on a dog or a cat so we got both. We know they need shots but I’ve called a few vet clinics and I’m getting different answers on how many shots they need. Can you advise us on what’s best? Dr. Nichol: Boy, am I glad to hear this question. It is painful for me to recall the number of these babies who have died of preventable diseases only…
Even with Less Frequent Vaccinations, Health Exams are Needed every 6-12 Months Question: We understand that the New Mexico legislature was considering a measure that lengthened the time between rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs beyond the current annual requirement. Does my indoor cat still need an annual rabies shot? Dr. Nichol: That’s a good question. Why would a cat with no exposure to other pets need any vaccinations? On the other hand, you could go for maximum safety and immunize against everything possible. The truth is that more vaccinating is not necessarily better. Too much can cause problems like…
Some vaccines may be less important for cats without exposure to other cats. Question: I have chosen not to vaccinate my indoor cat. I take my cat outside in the backyard a couple times a day while he is supervised by me every minute. From the research I have done I don’t think there is any chance of him getting Feline Leukemia or Rabies but I need to know about the four diseases that are contained within the Feline Distemper vaccine which are rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, chlamydia, and calicivirus/herpesvirus. Are these airborne viruses, and if so is there much…
Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. 276c Question: When my cat gets her shot series, she seems sick the next couple days, and even has foam coming from her mouth. What causes this, and is it harmful? Dr. Nichol: Your poor kitty is having an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). That drooling is a sign of nausea. Her next vaccinations could cause her to have intense itching of her head and neck, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. She could get dangerously ill. Annual boosters could lead to shock-even death in a sensitized cat…
If They’re a Big Enough Pain in the Rear-Get Rid of those Anal Glands Question: My four-year-old male cat has had anal gland problems since he was a year old. Our vet has expressed them several times. He now wants to remove them as he got blood out (for the second time in two months). I have heard he could loose control of his bowels. He is my best friend and don’t want to lose him. I myself had cancer and he helps me keep going. Dr. Nichol: The subject of anal glands, while a fact of life for…
Anal gland disease & the itchy rear end. Question: My indoor pet Siamese cat has recently began dragging her butt across the floor. She has never been outdoors, and I really am clueless as to the cause of the problem. What could be causing this? Dr. Nichol: Mmmmm. Sounds like me after a tough week at the animal hospital. Maybe she just needs a vacation. Oh, I forgot. Cats are always on vacation. OK, let’s talk about physical reasons for this rather socially unacceptable behavior. For starters I’ll tell you what is not going on: she does…
First Find Out What’s Causing the Symptoms. Many Older Cats have Manageable Problems; Others have Reached the End Question: I have a cat that is turning 20 years old. We think she is almost blind, her hearing is probably going and the worst part is that she has “forgotten” where her litter box is. She is losing weight, drinking large amounts for water, and eating very little. She is still her lovable self but it is hard to cope. Is it her time? Dr. Nichol: You have a caring heart. This could be the end of the road for…
Kidney Failure & Hyperthyroidism are Major Concerns Question: My 18 year old cat, Milo, is shrinking. She had a geriatric checkup 6 months ago and all tests were normal, just some hip joint wear. She eats (less than she used to), drinks, talks, walks, bathroom and cleaning behavior are all normal. Is there any food or supplement I can give her to keep up her weight? Dr. Nichol: Every medical challenge causes us to wish dogs and cats could speak a human language. Observant pet owners like you are essential to early diagnosis and treatment. The aging process…