Albuquerque Journal Articles

Blind Older Dog Circling, Confused, & Becoming Lost

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Blind Older Dog Circling, Confused, & Becoming Lost

Most Dogs Adjust well to Blindness. Brain Aging Changes are More Likely & Treatable Question: We have a 14 year-old, female Japanese Chin who is blind. Sometimes she complains and whines, but she doesn’t seem to be in pain. She can’t run and play like she used to love to do and just walks in little circles for hours on end. She has to be taken outside and taken to her bowl and, of course, she runs into walls and furniture. She is still loving and sweet but are we keeping her alive for us or for her?   Dr.…

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ProHeart 6 Recall

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on ProHeart 6 Recall

Adverse Reactions Plagued ProHeart but other Good Preventatives Remain Question: I read that ProHeart 6 had been recalled.  My poodle was on this medication.  What can be used in its place and what is the status of ProHeart 6?   Dr. Nichol: The every-six-month ProHeart injection seemed like an easy way of preventing heartworm infection but it appeared to cause adverse reactions in enough dogs that it was voluntarily recalled. Dogs who got the injection don’t appear to have any long term risks. ProHeart may or may not be available in the future.   We still have Heartgard and Interceptor.…

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Entropion

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Entropion

An Older Chow’s Blindness may be Reversible with Eyelid Surgery Question: I have a Chow and he is 10yrs old. Lately I have noticed that he runs into things. There’s a thin film on his eyes that wasn’t there before. I hate seeing him not being able to see. I was considering surgery but was told that surgery on a dog his age wouldn’t do any good and possibly make him blind. I would like to fix the problem if it’s possible.   Dr. Nichol: Your older Chow is a special friend; it must be hard to see him handicapped…

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Hypothyroidism in Dogs

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Many are Simple to Manage, Others are a Challenge. Nearly all do Well Question: My 10-year-old spayed lab cross has been hypothyroid for 2 1/2 years. Molly’s thyroid is still not stable and she’s been on different levels of levothyroxine, countless blood work and now on phenobarbital for seizures. She is healthy in every other way. I just don’t understand and would like to get Molly better and stable. Dr. Nichol: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid disease) is common and, in most dogs, similar to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis of humans. Fortunately, the majority of dogs respond well to treatment. The others can be…

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Superficial Pigmentary Keratitis

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Superficial Pigmentary Keratitis

Brown Pigment on the Surface of the Eyes Can Cause Blindness in Pugs, Boston Terriers, & Lhasa Apsos. Question: I recently adopted a 10-month-old female fawn pug, Phoebe. I was told that she was probably blind and had keratitis pigmentosa. She sees fairly well. Is there anything I can do for her, or to help her with this condition?   Dr. Nichol: Phoebe’s eye disease, also called superficial pigmentary keratitis, can be serious business in brachycephalic (pushed-in face) breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Lhasa Apsos. It’s unnecessary; dogs who look like they’ve been chasing parked cars didn’t result from…

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Hot Tubbing for Dogs

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Hot Tubbing for Dogs

A Lab’s Common Sense should keep her Safe Question: I have a 9-month-old female Labrador Retriever that loves water (naturally). Would our hot tub be harmful if the temperature is 90 degrees? Dr. Nichol: Labs love the water regardless of temperature. I’m betting your girl is smart enough to get out if it’s too hot for her, as long as you two aren’t DRINKING while you’re in there together.  

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Cataracts in an Older Dog

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Cataracts in an Older Dog

There are Multiple Causes. Treatment is Usually Successful Question: I have a female mixed breed terrier (12 yrs. old) named Rosie whom we all love dearly. She has a white cloudiness in her eyes, and has trouble seeing well. She is not yet blind. What are my options for bringing her sight back? And how important is the timing (too late, now, soon, within a year)?   Dr. Nichol: You are describing cataracts, a permanent gray/white lens color that prevents light from reaching the retinas. The end result is blindness, often noticed first at night.   Cataracts in young dogs…

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Beer Drinking for Dogs

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Beer Drinking for Dogs

Safe in Small Amounts, it can Damage the Health of a Trusting Dog Question: My 5-year-old male lab/shepherd cross “Q ” has picked up beer drinking. He sits next to me when I’m drinking a beer waiting until I give in and pour him some, which I do once in a while. It’s so funny, after he has a good drink he starts sneezing, I always laugh. Could a little beer now and then cause him any harm? Dr. Nichol: A little beer now and then won’t cause most of us any harm. A “little” for a 50 pound dog…

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Cataracts-Hereditary

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Cataracts-Hereditary

Surgical Approaches to Correction in a Miniature Schnauzer   Question: My miniature schnauzer will be 5, and has congenital cataracts (knew she had something wrong the first few days of having her home but oh well).  She has a dachsund companion that helps her out but it’s sad to see her so disabled by her blindness when she runs into things.  I heard that there is ophthalmic surgery. What do you recommend?   Dr. Nichol: Your compassion and devotion for that special little dog touches my heart. It’s also good to know that she has her own seeing-eye dog. But…

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Grapes are Dangerous

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Grapes are Dangerous

Kidney Damage can be Permanent Question: I read in the ABQ Journal that frozen grapes are a good summer snack for dogs. I’ve been giving them to my dog and she loves them! But the other night I saw on the TV show, Dogs 101, that they might cause liver disease.   Dr. Nichol: Grapes and raisins are poisonous to the kidneys of many, but not all dogs and some cats. Kidney failure can be rapid in onset and is life threatening in some cases.   If the fruit of the vine were to damage your dog’s kidneys she may…

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