Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

A Ferret in a Haystack

Last in a series Following her uneventful spay procedure, and prior to her mysterious disappearance, our ferret patient Miss Ellie had been resting in a cage in the treatment room.…

Ferret on the Run; Are We Having Fun Yet?

Third in a series One fine day, early in my career, a colleague called in a panic. A staff member carrying trash to the dumpster had left their rear door…

My Dog Is Scared Of Men

A pet owner wonders how to address her dogs fear of men.

Surgery Was a Success but we Misplaced the Patient

Second in a series Avoiding the perils of female ferret fertility is simple nowadays; nearly all young jills are spayed prior to sale. Back in the day, they were adopted…

Why Is My Older Cat Shrinking?

Senior kitties can lose weight for some important reasons. A lot of this can be treated; some of it can be cured.

Life of the Single Female Ferret

First in a series My general veterinary practice was busy. That might sound like a good problem but despite meticulous preparation I was seldom caught up. There seemed to be…

Destruction & Panic when Alone

Destruction & Panic when Alone So what can you do if the dog who’s stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? If you have a dog like this…

Olive Oil & and an Itchy Cat Head

Question: Amber was a feral cat. Last summer she had ear mites. Of course, I went online to find a cure. It was olive oil. She would not allow me…

Cat Toys that are Fun but may be Dangerous

Pets who eat nonfood items can pay a big price for their curiosity. Swallowed linear foreign material, like yarn, ribbon, or dental floss, can saw holes in the intestinal wall…