Albuquerque Journal Articles
SARDS is Incurable Question: We discovered a few weeks ago our Brittany dog, Val, is experiencing SARDS, Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome. I am devastated at how quickly he is losing his eyesight. He is only 8 years old and in good health otherwise. It is difficult to see how confused he is. His activity level has dropped dramatically. He used to love to hunt lizards but now I’m afraid he’ll scratch his eye since he can’t see if something is going to poke him. Dr. Nichol: I’m really sorry to hear about Val’s blindness. Like anybody who…
Read MoreCataracts are Common but Treatable Question: My 10-year-old heeler cross, Maeve, was diagnosed last year with diabetes. She has responded very well to the twice-daily insulin injections and the low-fat dog food and in most ways is doing just great. However, she now appears to be completely blind. What are the options for her blindness? Dr. Nichol: Maeve is not alone. Cataracts occur in 3/4 of diabetic dogs within one year of the onset of their disease. Blindness is the most common diabetic complication but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Cataracts are described as a clouding of…
Read MorePrevention is the Best Cure Question: I hope you will remind your readers about the importance of making provisions for their beloved pets should they die before the pets. A friend recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer committed suicide last week. Prior to that, I promised him I would care for his two dogs (he had originally planned to kill them first). I had no idea one of the dogs is on Xalatan (a $100 vial lasts three weeks). He did not give me a clue about the cost. It is an exorbitant expense for which I was not…
Read MoreNo Need for Concern about the Use of Jugular Veins Question: My 95 pound sheepdog mix has been a blood donor for the past year. I was happy to allow him to give blood for other dogs until I learned that they draw blood from the jugular vein (I had assumed it was the leg). I am concerned about the risk in drawing blood from this vital blood vessel. Dr. Nichol: You and your excellent dog are providing an even greater service than you may realize. Upwards of 75% of dog and cat owners regard their pets as children.…
Read MoreCataracts or Lens Instability are likely causes Question: Our cat, Stevie, is 12 years old. In the last few months she seems to have a hard time jumping up on the bed. She still runs up the stairs, has no problem squatting to do her business, and doesn’t seem in pain. She will launch up halfway on the side of the bed, then pull herself up with her front paws as if she were on a climbing rope, or doing chin ups. Could it be her eye sight? Dr. Nichol: It’s a good thing you’re paying attention. Cats don’t…
Read MoreNose Temperature is Never Reliable; a Thermometer is Much Better Question: Is a cold nose an indicator of health in a cat (like a dog) or is it OK if a cat’s nose is warm? Dr. Nichol: I’ve enjoyed thousands of canine and feline noses in my years of practice but, contrary to folklore, their temperatures have no meaning whatever. Good ways to monitor your pet’s health are to watch for a change in appetite, weight, water consumption, urine, stool, and activity level. Be concerned if your pet consistently breathes fast or with difficulty, coughs, sneezes, wheezes, or develops lumps…
Read MoreBlindness can Result but it Can be Treated Question: We adopted the cutest little dog from a shelter. She was a mess-matted, fleas and smelly. The vet said she was virtually blind-something about not enough tears as a puppy. We love our little Buttons to pieces. Is there an eye specialist you would recommend? She is happy but would be such fun if she could see further than her nose. Dr. Nichol: Buttons sounds delightful. Her eyes may respond well to treatment but she’ll need help soon to prevent permanent damage. Poor tear production, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS for…
Read MoreHeart Disease, the most Likely Cause, may Result in Sudden Death Question: Do dogs faint? Yesterday I noticed my 6 year old female German Shepherd appear to faint twice. We were playing fetch when she suddenly wobbled, then fell over on her side. After 30 seconds she got up. This morning she had another bout. Does this need investigation? Dr. Nichol: Your dog’s fainting problem is serious business. There are many possible causes for a German Shepherd of her age to pass out, but heart disease tops the list. Her worst case scenario could be sudden death if she has…
Read MoreFeline Herpes can Cause Severe Eye Disease & Death Question: We have recently taken home 3 kittens to nurse them back to health. Two of them are healthy, but one is much smaller than her siblings, and doesn’t play or anything. She is about 7 weeks old. Her eyes have been getting hard, crusty stuff in them (sometimes yellow), and it looks like something has formed on the outside of one eye. Dr. Nichol: You are doing a kind thing to care for these homeless kittens. That sick baby may be in serious trouble. None of these kids has…
Read MoreNumerous Health Risks plus Overpopulation Make Spaying the Right Choice Question: A friend recently got a lab X puppy. When I asked if he was going to spay her – he said he wanted to let her have a litter first because it makes a “better dog”. I’d like to be able to argue that point. Dr. Nichol: It can be tough debating folks who are sure of things that aren’t so. Start by explaining that mixed bred puppies (and often their purebred brethren) can be difficult or impossible to place in good homes. It’s easy to get excited…
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