Albuquerque Journal Articles
Question: I’ve had my dog Max since he was a baby, 15 years. Lately he’s refused dry food and he shies away when I touch his face. His breath is horrible. His veterinarian showed me his red swollen gums and 4 loose teeth and recommended a dental procedure. I am so worried he won’t survive it. I can’t bear the thought of losing him. Dr. Nichol: You are not alone; there are a whole lot of us who love our pets intensely. We’ll do anything to protect them. And now, Max is suffering. He needs more good time with you.…
Question: I inherited my mom’s cat, a Main Coon, after she passed away. He was a kitten then, and has lived with me for 15 years. A year ago, he developed a “swelling” on his cheek. It subsided in one week, but since then he has refused to use his litter box. Otherwise, he is amazingly healthy considering his advanced age. I’m pretty sure that he’s no longer “trainable” regarding his litter box, but I still respect his right to live and don’t believe in euthanizing him until the time comes just because he’s old. Dr. Nichol: Your kindness for…
Question: This cat found us. She is part of the Community Cat program here in El Paso. She is not feral; she is a stray and very social with humans. She’s around 5 according to our veterinarian. We are trying to acclimate her to an indoor environment. We also have an older cat who is 13 years old. She is being territorial, growling, hissing, and chasing the new cat, “Baby.” For correcting we’ve been using the water bottle and training calming collar with treats. Should we buy a cat tree house? Dr. Nichol: You are right that your resident cat…
Last in a series
Brains are certainly interesting. Parts of their anatomy, and the chemicals that conduct their complex work, can change during life. Practice makes perfect because repetition through the neural circuits upstairs makes them stronger. Neuroplasticity is the name for these gradual modifications that can transform behaviors and physical functions.
Third in a series Compulsive disorders are a harsh reality for anybody who is saddled by a literally uncontrollable requirement to engage in repetitive, (stereotypic) behaviors. Most are related to somewhat normal activities, but they’re exaggerated, serving no useful purpose. They’re regarded as ritualistic because the sequences appear the same each time. And they may continue for a long time, and are usually difficult or impossible to interrupt. Well-intentioned people have tried all manner of corrections, along with attempts to redirect the mental focus of these sad pets. They are wasting everybody’s time and energy while repetition strengthens the responsible…
Second in a series Quiz: Why did Milo chase and bite his tail? a) He was bored b) Attention-seeking c) He was compulsive d) He needed a different home Milo’s repeated biting of his tail had resulted in a rapidly advancing wound. When I first met this sweet little guy it was immediately clear that his two previous surgeries, while well-intentioned attempts to the eliminate infected tissue, accomplished nothing. His agitation, spinning, growling, and biting at the more recent amputation site only triggered another raging infection. Repetitive behaviors and self-mutilation are not newly recognized in dogs but recent research has…
First in a series Have you ever heard the expression, “Like a dog chasing its tail?” This actually happens. Milo is a handsome miniature poodle who, in his youth, was a happy little guy sporting a fuzzy plume from his derriere. This was no longer the case. As he entered my exam room he often looked back at his rear end and sometimes barked frantically while reaching for the red and swollen stub of what remained. The plastic cone he wore seemed to add to his frustration. Rob, the man who loved Milo, was desperate for help. My practice manager…
Question: Our longtime neighbor got a dog last year, but has not, it appears, had it trained to not bark when it goes out 4 to 6 am, and 11 pm, waking us up. We get along just fine, but the dog wakes us up DAILY from a deep sleep. Our bedroom is on the same side of the house (there is a fence) where her dog goes. What can we do without alienating our neighbor? Dr. Nichol: You sound cranky and you are not alone; barking is among the most common complaints to animal control departments. We all want…
Give ‘em a Break & Keep them Safe Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Turkey, Tofurkey, pie, football, libations. Keep an eye on your pets. Barking or tense body postures around visitors, hiding, freezing with ears flattened, head low, tail tucked, and startling at noises are important clues. Some scared dogs lick their lips and yawn; cats might over-groom. Our pets need a refuge from the action. Hide boxes for kitties and out-of-the-way resting areas for dogs allow them to sit out the politics. Food toys loaded with canned or dry food will focus your pupster’s brain on natural scavenging…
Question: We are heading to Puerto Vallarta for a two week vacation. We have a sweet 1 year old girl cat. She is extremely bonded with my wife and seems a little anxious when left alone. So far, she has only been left alone for a few hours at a time. We can’t decide if we should board her or have someone come into our home daily to feed her. My wife is anxious about leaving her. Please help us so we can feel our girl is well cared for and we can relax and enjoy our vacation! Dr. Nichol:…