Albuquerque Journal Articles
What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on a dog or a cat so we got both. We know they need shots but I’ve called a few vet clinics and I’m getting different answers on how many shots they need. Can you advise us on what’s best? Dr. Nichol: Boy, am I glad to hear this question. It is painful for me to recall the number of these babies who have died of preventable diseases only…
Read MoreVaccination May or May Not be Necessary Question: Our vet recommends Luke have a leptospirosis vaccine. In what specific areas are the large outbreaks of lepto occurring? Does a dog have natural immunities to lepto? Does the vaccine protect against the most lethal versions? Our dog is never off leash, so won’t come into direct contact with wildlife. Dr. Nichol: Luke is a lucky dog to have owners so concerned about his safety. Leptospirosis, an infectious disease of the kidneys and liver, is caused by an organism that is transmitted primarily through contaminated urine. It’s found most often in…
Read MoreOur best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual vaccinations. In fact, she almost died. She was literally unable to move without a great deal of pain and her eyes were glazed. She was treated but barely survived. They told us that they give the same dosage of vaccinations to all dogs, whether Chihuahua or Great Dane. I find that hard to believe. Now, I am extremely reluctant to chance it again. And why is it necessary to vaccinate…
Read MoreAn Excellent & Safe Pastime Question: My two mini-poodles love to eat rawhide chews. What are you recommendations on this? Dr. Nichol: Go for it. Rawhides are healthy for the teeth and gums. Once they’re good and soggy and yucky they get swallowed and pass through the system uneventfully. There is no reason to limit the number unless your dogs’ idea of rawhide is your shoes or baseball mitt. Incidentally, many cats also enjoy a good chew. Just soak the corner of a rawhide in warm water to make it more like a rodent for the feline predator in your…
Read MoreAge is not a disease. Safety is really a function of health. Complete lab work will solve the safety question. Question: My beloved Cairn Terrier is 13 and his vet has recommended neutering him to prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems. He will also clean the dog’s teeth and remove some warts. At the equivalent of 91 human years, I’m of course worried about Excalibur surviving the surgery and wondering how long his possible life span might be after such surgery (or, for that matter, without it). Dr. Nichol: I can understand your concerns about Excalibur’s safety. You…
Read MoreEuthanasia May be Best Question: I bought a puppy. A day later it had diarrhea and green stuff coming from his eyes. I took the puppy to the vet and had the dog tested for distemper. The test came back positive. The vet said that the puppy only had a 3-5% chance of recovery, would be contagious to other dogs, and have neurological problems. So I opted to have the puppy put down. Did I do the right thing? Dr. Nichol: The decision to end the life of a sweet puppy is extremely hard. This little guy was facing…
Read MoreNo Treatment Necessary Question: I never thought I’d be writing to you (sounds like Dear Abby). I have a 5-month-old Basset Hound named Homer who has a terrible problem with hiccups. He seems to get them daily and I can’t imagine using any human remedies on him. He’s a little high strung so I’m afraid that scaring him would kill him! Just joking. Any ideas? Dr. Nichol: Abby and I are old pals, having shared this page for a while. Lately our readers have been confusing our identities. I’m concerned that, having spent so much time together, we may…
Read MoreFrequent Insulin Adjustments can Create Big Trouble Question: My dog has diabetes. For a long while, we weren’t able to get her glucose below 200. Now it will spike or drop with no warning. I can tell when a problem is coming by her excessive panting. I check her blood glucose level and give her a small dose of insulin or something to eat. What can I do to stop this, and why the rollercoaster effect? Dr. Nichol: You are certainly conscientious about your dog’s care but you’ll need to be careful. Frequent insulin injections and even minor dosage…
Read MoreNothing Important to Worry About. Tapeworms & Hanta Virus are Highly Unlikely Question: I recently caught my pedigree-challenged dog chasing and catching a field mouse. She dropped the mouse when I shouted, but I’m sure this is not an isolated incident. Can she get sick if she catches/kills/ingests a field mouse? Dr. Nichol: Dogs can be such animals, can’t they? You’d never catch a human hunting, killing and eating a defenseless creature. No sir, we’re all so peaceful. Now I feel better. Your dog is quite unlikely to get any diseases by exercising her predatory instincts. In fact,…
Read MoreRattlesnake Bite is a Strong Possibility Question: When I was hiking in the foothills with my two female rottweiler mixes (age 9 and 12) I realized that the older one was gone. We have hiked this same trail so many times. She has always found her way back to me. Now I’ve lost her. I didn’t hear or see anything and my other dog didn’t either. What could have happened? Dr. Nichol: I’m so sorry for your loss. I suspect a wild animal attack- most likely a rattlesnake, perhaps a mountain lion. You may wish you’d left your older…
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