Albuquerque Journal Articles
Third in a series We’d put an end to those ear infections, whatever it took, but unless we controlled Chase’s scratching and rubbing, the population of normal organisms in her ears would explode all over again. And then we had those odious anal glands. This sweet girl’s name was Chase but it could have been “Rubber” or “Scooter.” Allergies in dogs are often caused by airborne pollens, molds, and house dust mites. Veterinary dermatologists believe this unseen assault occurs more by skin penetration that by inhalation. I could have suggested an air filter mask for Chase but she’d benefit more…
Read More
Second in a series Miss Manners did a fine job of holding “Chase” on the exam table. After evaluating this big shaggy dog’s skin I examined her teeth and gums. Finding no pain or swelling I moved North. Peering at me through a thick mop of hair were a pair of bright and healthy peepers. Those ears, well, they told a different story. By some estimates ear infections are the most common problem seen by veterinarians, often smoldering for months. Heavily haired flaps can easily obscure redness, discharge, and a yeasty odor. Our dogs love us. When we’re home with…
Read More
Click graphic to open a larger version as a pdf Don’t be surprised by reactive aggression. If a dog even begins showing the body signals from this text book graphic, you should immediately deescalate the situation. Don’t yell or rush at the dog. Walk away quietly. Then go to my website, drjeffnichol.com. You can search it for more information or you can sign up for a consultation.
Read More
First in a series Poking my head into the reception room, my gaze fell on a nicely groomed Old English Sheepdog – my next patient. As I invited her and her person into the exam room I noticed a slight left head tilt. Her gait was normal, with no tendency to veer to one side. An ear infection seemed more likely than a neurologic cause but I would also check her teeth. Shaking the hand of my new client I was stuck by this lady’s quiet confidence. Her name was Miss Manners – really, that was her name. We learn…
Read More
Question: Our family has a 19 year old “Heinz 57 variety” female cat who has taken to urinating outside her box. This happens only at night. Her box is pristine clean. We leave the lights on at night in case her vision has deteriorated and put absorbent pads on the floor. Neither has helped. Our geriatric cat has high blood pressure. She takes amlodipine, eats Royal Canine renal diet, and takes buprenorphine for her arthritis. Dr. Nichol: You could try scolding “Heinz” for these mishaps but she’d just switch off her hearing aids. We’ll have to be smarter than that…
Read More
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. Martha and Amos divided that big space, moving equipment and emptying cabinets. I slithered around the floor of the x-ray and dark room as I investigated the interior of the control panel and behind the film processor. Next we headed to the hospital ward and laundry. The pharmacy, exam rooms, and reception office were equally upended. Was this a Harry Potter movie? Can ferrets disapparate (cq)? It felt like hours…
Read More
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 open – just long enough. At the same moment a Lhasa Apso, being led to surgery prep for neutering, slammed on his brakes, backed out of his collar, and bolted outside. OMG! He ran around the building to the front door and was about to scoot inside, just as a German shepherd was exiting with his person. Well the big guy just had to lunge at the Lhasa who, of…
Read More
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 “intact”. We strongly advised spaying but not everybody listened. Our desperate attempts to save severely anemic never-bred girl ferrets often led to heartbreak. Miss Ellie’s people, Sue and Davie, knew this and wanted only the best for their chaste pet. I explained our anesthesia, surgery, and recovery protocols. I promised to call them as soon as their slinky snuggler was awake. She’d be ready to go home at 5:30 that…
Read More
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 more going on with every pet I saw than what it came in for. My patiently waiting clients knew I’d spend all the time necessary to help their dog or cat. Or ferret. Ferrets, lumped into the pocket pet category, are more popular than you may realize. They can be a bit odiferous but they have playful, engaging personalities. They spend little time in pockets but they generally do well…
Read More
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 to get it into her ears and the problem became worse. Being irritated by the mites, she scratched off the side of her face. I brought her inside and she and I are now as bonded as a cat and human can be. I took Amber to the veterinarian. The mites were killed. Surgery was done on her face and the wound began to heal but every time I removed…
Read More