Albuquerque Journal Articles
Specific cause unknown The risks to canine health from eating jerky treats are on the front burner again. I shared information on this problem in my Pet Care column back in March, 2012. Now, for an update. Food safety issues are a growing problem in part because of the globalization of this industry for humans as well as animals. Reported by the Veterinary Information (VIN) News Service, Dr. Linda Fleeman and her Australian colleagues published a large case report of 108 pet dogs in the September issue of the Australian Veterinary Journal. Their findings suggested the presence of a toxin…
Read MoreBasic Obedience Skills will make a Difference Question: I have to ask, how do you improve the quality of life for a blind cat? Dr. Nichol: I am so glad you are caring for this special needs kitty. You can have fun teaching her to follow your lead without hiring a Seeing Eye dog for her. Start with the highest value cat treat, held just a few inches in front of your kitty’s nose. Slowly make a front-to-back arc over her head toward her shoulders. As her nose follows the scent of beluga caviar her neck will arch back and…
Read MoreVascular Ring Anomaly can be Surgically Corrected Question: Blue Boy is a Sphynx cat, 13 years old. Ever since he was a kitten he has had trouble with food. He would scoop it up his mouth like a bull dozer and chew it while growling. After he stuffed himself he would regurgitate it and run away. I fed him tiny amounts at a time and he was able to keep that down. He acts hungry all the time. Is my cat bulimic? Dr. Nichol: Blue Boy is not bulimic. Even if he were a fashion model he wouldn’t care what…
Read MoreAvoid the Fear Triggers; Reduce the Anxiety Balloon Fiesta is great fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak out from falling cosmic monsters. Every exposure worsens their fears. The far-off hiss of a propane burner or a multi-colored speck in the distance can trigger overwhelming terror. Phobias are not logical. Dogs saddled with this irrational fear haven’t been physically assaulted by balloons but like humans with unfounded anxieties, they need special consideration. Hiding, trembling, and nervous panting are indicators of real distress. You can keep a balloon phobic dog’s brain intact by helping…
Read MoreThere may be a new and ugly infection of dogs that could spell trouble – or maybe not. Confirmed so far in only a handful dogs in Ohio, the organism, called circovirus, has been implicated in cases of severe, sudden onset vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and physical depression. Speculation is rampant. Here is what we know so far. Circovirus causes, or may be involved in causing, marked inflammation of blood vessels, called vasculitis, potentially leading to tissue death. So far it has largely been considered a secondary infectious agent How prevalent is circovirus? One report showed the virus in 11.3%…
Read MoreChewable Anxitane can make a Difference Question: I will retire soon to Ecuador and my two cats will be relocating with me. The plan is for them to travel in their carriers in the aircraft cabin underneath the seat. Unfortunately this will involve several changes in aircraft. Should I break up a very long day of travel with an extra over-night or try to get the trip completed as quickly as possible? I just want to do what’s best for them – they are my best buds and leaving them behind is not an option. The kitties are both 10…
Read MoreStomach or Intestinal Causes are Most Likely Question: My oddball cat loves to lick shiny plastic bags, such as Ziplocs and dry cleaning bags. What is that about? Dr. Nichol: It seems that every month or so some new exotic cat breed appears on the scene. Is Oddball one of those high falutin’ designer cats? I want to see photos of oddball cats so I can learn to identify them. Veterinarians should know these things. There can be a variety of reasons for licking behavior, whether directed at skin, metal, concrete, air, or plastic. Oddball is not missing essential nutrients;…
Read MoreThorough Vaccination will Diminish Risk Question: A friend with connections to a therapy dog group emailed me about two “new” dog illnesses. They seem serious. Dr. Nichol: Not only are dog owners worried, veterinarians have been sharing information about the recent uptick in canine parvo, a nasty virus that invades the lining of the small intestines, destroying the cells that absorb nutrients. Infected dogs get sick fast with dehydration, poor appetites, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Without early and intensive in-hospital treatment puppies especially, can go into shock and die quickly. Worldwide, parvo occurs more commonly during warmer, wetter seasons. My…
Read MorePatient repetition of Rewards for Courage Question: My mom is a young widow. And very lonely. She mentioned she wanted a cocker. So I surprised her with one for Christmas. She loves him dearly, but he is a submissive urinator. He is 10 months old and despite obedience classes and behavior modification he isn’t getting better. My vet suggested, as a last resort, Clomicalm to see if we took the nervous edge off Presley he may break the habit of submission. Dr. Nichol: I feel bad for dogs like Presley. He becomes so overwhelmed that the neurologic mechanisms regulating his…
Read MoreIntermittent Lameness does Not Signal an immediate Crisis Question: We have a Pomeranian who weighs 10 pounds and just turned 1year. We have been told he has luxating patella dislocating in both kneecaps. He is very active and only shows favor to his knee maybe once a month. Is it possible the bones will form correctly over time? At what age should we consider surgery? What is the down time and what would be the best way to keep this active pup quiet during his healing process? Dr. Nichol: I know exactly what you mean about your playful, young Pomeranian.…
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