Albuquerque Journal Articles
Third in a series Behavior medicine is all about improved quality of life for everybody but there can be limits; our genetics are the cards we are dealt. PJ was an inveterate predator despite the steady flow of healthy food into his dish. Civilization at Jenny’s and Phil’s house just didn’t satisfy his innate programming. Even more than most pussy cats, he had the skills and motivation to thrive in the wild. Sadly, he was rarely allowed outside to function like a real cat. It was Aristotle who observed that, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Unmet needs get met. All PJ…
Second in a series Quiz: Why would PJ attack his person Jenny? a) He didn’t like the way she smelled b) She was dressed like a sparrow c) PJ is a natural predator who was already agitated d) He blames his mother for his problems Cats are not dogs with short ears nor do their motivations resemble other species, including ours. They follow their own rules, regarded by some as wild animals we keep as pets. Those who fit best in a loving home were genetically programmed to adapt. Exposure to gentle interactions with people and other domestic creatures, since…
First in a series It had been a rough day, topped-off by stop and don’t go traffic on I-25. Jenny was frazzled when she pulled into the garage and came inside through the laundry room. Her husband Phil was already camped-out on the couch, wine glass in hand, watching the 6 o’clock news. Their orange tabby cat, PJ, rested next to Phil, gently rubbing his head on his daddy’s thigh. Chihuahua “Micky” was curled up on Phil’s other side. A placid scene. Jenny kicked off her shoes, poured herself a glass, and headed for her spot on the other side…
Question: How do we stop “Olive” from counter surfing? Besides keeping things off of the counter. Sometimes that’s not possible. If I am making dinner or the phone rings, etc. Dr. Nichol: Naughty Olive. Eating your lunch and believing she’s above the law. And you’ve tried everything, like yelling bad words and swatting. At the end of your rope, you could give her a dose of her own medicine by stealing her kibbles. That won’t work either. Lots of dogs, like Olive, live by Willie Sutton’s law. He robbed banks because, “That’s where the money is.” Your kitchen counter is…
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…