Albuquerque Journal Articles
Canine Flu Vaccine Available By now we’re all aware of the H1N1 swine flu. Canine flu (H3N8), while not contagious to humans, is also on the upswing. Fortunately New Mexico’s dog population has so far been spared. Dog flu has been around since 2004, a likely mutation of the equine influenza virus. What’s new is the vaccine, released by Intervet/Schering-Plough in June of this year. According to Cynda Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor of shelter medicine at the University of Florida, “Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has a significant impact on dogs housed in shelters, kennels…
Read MoreA Possible Serious Epidemic-Dogs have No Natural Immunity Dog lovers need to be aware of a new infectious disease called dog flu. So far there have been no cases identified in New Mexico but it’s been seen as far west as Texas. This virus can be transmitted through the air by coughing as well as by contamination of equipment, clothing, and the hands of caretakers. Seen first in racing greyhounds in Florida dog flu can spread rapidly in kennel and hospital settings. Like any epidemic in its early stages it’s hard to say whether this will become a major…
Read MoreLatency causes Repeat Infections; Eye Infections are the Worst Part Question: We adopted a one year old male orange tabby in January, 2005. He had been in the city’s shelter and then the humane association. He was very ill with what our vet called herpes virus-high fever and upper respiratory congestion. It took him 5 weeks to recover. Ever since, he periodically gets coughing spells, very loud and uncomfortable. Is this kind of “leftover” common? Dr. Nichol: Your cat’s symptoms are consistent with feline viral rhinotracheitis, the most common infectious disease of cats. Caused by a herpes virus (FHV-1), rhinotracheitis…
Read MoreSymptoms can Worsen. A Veterinarian can Guide the Best Treatment Question: I recently adopted a 2 month old kitten from a shelter and the kitten has been sneezing, coughing, had watery eyes and now my older cat has the same symptoms. Should I take them to the vet? I was told to make sure they are eating and drinking and if they stop to take them to the vet. I don’t want my older cat to get any sicker. Dr. Nichol: Most adoption facilities do their best at disease prevention but respiratory infections are common in shelter kittens. Fortunately most get…
Read MoreSevere Disease is a Dangerous Possibility Question: We have a 14 year old cat (Sam) who has recently been coughing as if he trying to cough up a hairball. It comes and goes, but is happening regularly now – about 4 or 5 times a day; after a few minutes he just stops. Is there something more serious happening here? Is it just a hairball? Dr. Nichol: Sam’s body is sending you important signals. Coughing in cats can be a sign of severe distress. At age 14 there are several problems that may be responsible, any one of which…
Read MoreSiamese Cats are 5 Times More Likely Than Other Breeds to have Asthma Question: I have a 3 1/2-year-old female Siamese. Lately she has been hacking. She never actually throws up anything, and she is eating just fine. I have even tried the old Vaseline on the paw trick. Is it hairballs or something else? Dr. Nichol: It’s something else. Hairballs cause vomiting; your cat coughs. I’m glad you’re getting help for her because she’s miserable and she could become seriously ill. There are a few possible causes for that hacking, so we’ll we need a firm diagnosis.…
Read MoreAsthma 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…
Read MoreQuestion: 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…
Read MoreInjectable 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”…
Read MoreUsually 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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