Albuquerque Journal Articles

Coughing Cats

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Coughing Cats

Asthma is common in cats-but it’s not the only cause of coughing.   Question: Hunter is my 6 year old kitty and she’s been coughing lately. I take really good care of her and she stays inside all of the time. She eats fine and plays. Could Hunter have asthma?   Dr. Nichol: Yes she could, but it’s not the only possibility. I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but before you assume anything, get Hunter thoroughly checked out. Other causes could include pneumonia, F.I.P., heart failure, heartworm infection, or even foreign materiel in her airways or…

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Cat Susceptibility to Canine Bordetella

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Cat Susceptibility to Canine Bordetella

Question: I am considering adopting a dog from my local shelter, but they have informed me he has kennel cough and that I should isolate my other animals. My children have a kitten who has complete run of our home. Is kennel cough transferable between the dog and the cat?   Dr. Nichol: Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) causes a persistent hacking cough in dogs that usually persists several weeks. An organism called Bordetella is one of a handful that are involved in this infection of the windpipe and throat. In a kennel environment it spreads fast and furious in a…

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Kennel Cough: Spread & Prevention

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Kennel Cough: Spread & Prevention

Injectable Vaccine is Better Question: I don’t have a question just a heads up to all dog owners that take their dogs to dog parks.  Please get them vaccinated for Kennel Cough.  I did not and my Labrador Retriever came down with Kennel Cough.  She has been miserable for over a week and I hope my German Shepherd does not come down with it too.  Once I am sure that both dogs are healthy again they will get the vaccinations so they can once again have fun in the park.   Dr. Nichol: This sounds a lot like “True Confessions”…

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Kennel Cough

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Kennel Cough

Usually contracted in boarding or grooming establishments, it can be tough to manage. We can help but it always runs its course.   Question: As an owner of three dogs, imagine my dismay when my vet told me my little one’s problem was kennel cough.  Their only exposure was at the groomer’s.  I of course hold no one responsible, but am very curious about the “disease”, its course and the current preventatives. Only my Lhasa mix seems affected. Is it common for some dogs to seem to be “immune” while others are so sick? Do dogs completely recover?  I have…

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Noisy Breathing

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Noisy Breathing

Gradual onset of paralysis of the voice box can be dangerous but it is treatable.   Question: My 11 year old female lab’s breathing is labored when walking & if any excitement at home. X-rays were normal. What are treatments? I competed for 6 years with Lucy in hunt tests & owe her so much.   Dr. Nichol: This must be hard for you and Lucy. Labs are active and playful anyway. But with Lucy also being a working dog she has to be able to handle exertion without getting winded. Have faith; there is help.   While the lungs…

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Nasal Discharge & Difficulty Breathing

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Nasal Discharge & Difficulty Breathing

Tooth Root Infections Can Be Diagnosed with Dental X-rays Question: I took my female mixed terrier for many check ups for, what I thought, was a respiratory problem. There was some thoughts of extracting some teeth. Antibiotics helped but did not totally clear it up. She still has a clogged up nose, which makes her breathing labored. I have given her Benedryl and even tried Noni juice. What else can I try?   Dr. Nichol: You sound frustrated. This fine dog is way too important for you to be casting about for remedies. It’s time to dig hard for the…

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Sneezing & Coughing

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Sneezing & Coughing

Dogs don’t get colds the way we do, but they can get some serious upper respiratory disease. See the doctor.   Question: I have a 7-year-old mixed breed (lab & husky).  Over the past couple of days she has been sneezing and coughing.  Do dogs catch colds? I’m not sure what to do?   Dr Nichol: Your dog is in good company. I too am mixed bred. I have worked in a lab but have never been husky, though I have wanted to be. I am no longer 7. I’m 39. Again.   Dogs do not catch colds. When we…

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Heart Disease in Cats

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Heart Disease in Cats

Cardiomyopathy can cause blood clots. Severe pain & paralysis can be debilitating.   Question: My cat has just had his second thromboembolism. My vet has treated him with heparin. Does he need anything else?   Dr. Nichol: This is a tough problem. The blood clots in your cat are caused by a heart disease called cardiomyopathy. It is a severely debilitating condition of the heart muscle. Sludging of the blood in the left atrium of the heart leads to clots that can stop blood flow-most often to the rear legs. It’s extremely painful.   Depending on your cat’s ECG cardiac…

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Snorting, (You Know, Like a Pig)

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Snorting, (You Know, Like a Pig)

“Reverse Sneezing” usually has allergic causes. Antihistamines should help.   Question: I have a 3 year old female pug named “Pug”. I know we should have come up with something else instead of “Pug” but….,anyway about once a month, she has what I call a seizure, but all  I’ve read doesn’t describe what she has. Pug acts like she’s trying to “hock up a loogey”. It lasts for about 15-30 sec and then she’s fine. Sometimes it reoccurs a few minutes later and lasts maybe 10-15 seconds. It’s not like she’s trying to throw-up. She’s exhaling extremely hard and making…

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Heart Disease

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Heart Disease

Medications can have side effects. Know what to look for.   Question: My dog, Comet, is 11 years old with enlarged heart and liver. She is refusing to eat her dog food. After her bloodwork and x-rays she was put on vasotec and furosemide. She will eat rice with some chicken. I have checked several books, and seem to get contradictory information. What would be an acceptable diet considering she won’t eat dog food?   Dr. Nichol: Good for you. Because of your conscientious care we know what’s wrong with Comet. Treatment has been started but now she won’t eat.…

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