Albuquerque Journal Articles
Even with Less Frequent Vaccinations, Health Exams are Needed every 6-12 Months Question: We understand that the New Mexico legislature was considering a measure that lengthened the time between rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs beyond the current annual requirement. Does my indoor cat still need an annual rabies shot? Dr. Nichol: That’s a good question. Why would a cat with no exposure to other pets need any vaccinations? On the other hand, you could go for maximum safety and immunize against everything possible. The truth is that more vaccinating is not necessarily better. Too much can cause problems like…
Read MoreSome vaccines may be less important for cats without exposure to other cats. Question: I have chosen not to vaccinate my indoor cat. I take my cat outside in the backyard a couple times a day while he is supervised by me every minute. From the research I have done I don’t think there is any chance of him getting Feline Leukemia or Rabies but I need to know about the four diseases that are contained within the Feline Distemper vaccine which are rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, chlamydia, and calicivirus/herpesvirus. Are these airborne viruses, and if so is there much…
Read MoreOur best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. 276c Question: When my cat gets her shot series, she seems sick the next couple days, and even has foam coming from her mouth. What causes this, and is it harmful? Dr. Nichol: Your poor kitty is having an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). That drooling is a sign of nausea. Her next vaccinations could cause her to have intense itching of her head and neck, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. She could get dangerously ill. Annual boosters could lead to shock-even death in a sensitized cat…
Read MoreIf They’re a Big Enough Pain in the Rear-Get Rid of those Anal Glands Question: My four-year-old male cat has had anal gland problems since he was a year old. Our vet has expressed them several times. He now wants to remove them as he got blood out (for the second time in two months). I have heard he could loose control of his bowels. He is my best friend and don’t want to lose him. I myself had cancer and he helps me keep going. Dr. Nichol: The subject of anal glands, while a fact of life for…
Read MoreAnal gland disease & the itchy rear end. Question: My indoor pet Siamese cat has recently began dragging her butt across the floor. She has never been outdoors, and I really am clueless as to the cause of the problem. What could be causing this? Dr. Nichol: Mmmmm. Sounds like me after a tough week at the animal hospital. Maybe she just needs a vacation. Oh, I forgot. Cats are always on vacation. OK, let’s talk about physical reasons for this rather socially unacceptable behavior. For starters I’ll tell you what is not going on: she does…
Read MoreFirst Find Out What’s Causing the Symptoms. Many Older Cats have Manageable Problems; Others have Reached the End Question: I have a cat that is turning 20 years old. We think she is almost blind, her hearing is probably going and the worst part is that she has “forgotten” where her litter box is. She is losing weight, drinking large amounts for water, and eating very little. She is still her lovable self but it is hard to cope. Is it her time? Dr. Nichol: You have a caring heart. This could be the end of the road for…
Read MoreKidney Failure & Hyperthyroidism are Major Concerns Question: My 18 year old cat, Milo, is shrinking. She had a geriatric checkup 6 months ago and all tests were normal, just some hip joint wear. She eats (less than she used to), drinks, talks, walks, bathroom and cleaning behavior are all normal. Is there any food or supplement I can give her to keep up her weight? Dr. Nichol: Every medical challenge causes us to wish dogs and cats could speak a human language. Observant pet owners like you are essential to early diagnosis and treatment. The aging process…
Read MoreThorough Diagnostic Work & Careful Treatment Saves Lives Question: Our cat Ginger is 13 or 14 (do you think I’m not protecting him if I use his name?) has lab results that show elevated liver enzymes and BUN indicating that his kidneys are not functioning as they should. He’s not dehydrated and his white count is normal. Since he has improved a little on the Amoxicillin, there’s a possibility that he has a low grade chronic infection that has caused his liver to become inflammed. The plan for now is to keep him on the meds for 3 or…
Read MoreA Thorough Exam is Even More Important than the Vaccinations Question: I have been disappointed with the short visits when I take my 12 year-old kitty for her annual check-up. The last visit took less than 5 minutes, which included only her receiving shots. After the doctor dismissed us, I had to ask him to please check her teeth. What should a doctor check annually–even though our kitty lives indoors and looks healthy? Dr. Nichol: A growing number of people want better health and more good years with their pets. The bar is being raised for what veterinary medicine delivers-as…
Read MoreHow much should it cost? How sick is that kitty anyway? Question: My cat has had all of his shots plus a recent tapeworm shot. He has been lethargic and drool has been pouring from his mouth. He has not lost his appetite and is currently drinking more water than usual. Should I take him to the vet $$$ ? Dr. Nichol: I think I understand your problem. Your kitty is eating but not feeling well. Clearly his drooling and excessive drinking are not normal. But is he really sick enough to justify the expense ($$$) of a…
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