Albuquerque Journal Articles

Gradual onset of paralysis of the voice box can be dangerous but it is treatable.   Question: My 11 year old female lab’s breathing is labored when walking & if any excitement at home. X-rays were normal. What are treatments? I competed for 6 years with Lucy in hunt tests & owe her so much.   Dr. Nichol: This must be hard for you and Lucy. Labs are active and playful anyway. But with Lucy also being a working dog she has to be able to handle exertion without getting winded. Have faith; there is help.   While the lungs…

Tooth Root Infections Can Be Diagnosed with Dental X-rays Question: I took my female mixed terrier for many check ups for, what I thought, was a respiratory problem. There was some thoughts of extracting some teeth. Antibiotics helped but did not totally clear it up. She still has a clogged up nose, which makes her breathing labored. I have given her Benedryl and even tried Noni juice. What else can I try?   Dr. Nichol: You sound frustrated. This fine dog is way too important for you to be casting about for remedies. It’s time to dig hard for the…

Dogs don’t get colds the way we do, but they can get some serious upper respiratory disease. See the doctor.   Question: I have a 7-year-old mixed breed (lab & husky).  Over the past couple of days she has been sneezing and coughing.  Do dogs catch colds? I’m not sure what to do?   Dr Nichol: Your dog is in good company. I too am mixed bred. I have worked in a lab but have never been husky, though I have wanted to be. I am no longer 7. I’m 39. Again.   Dogs do not catch colds. When we…

“Reverse Sneezing” usually has allergic causes. Antihistamines should help.   Question: I have a 3 year old female pug named “Pug”. I know we should have come up with something else instead of “Pug” but….,anyway about once a month, she has what I call a seizure, but all  I’ve read doesn’t describe what she has. Pug acts like she’s trying to “hock up a loogey”. It lasts for about 15-30 sec and then she’s fine. Sometimes it reoccurs a few minutes later and lasts maybe 10-15 seconds. It’s not like she’s trying to throw-up. She’s exhaling extremely hard and making…

Medications can have side effects. Know what to look for.   Question: My dog, Comet, is 11 years old with enlarged heart and liver. She is refusing to eat her dog food. After her bloodwork and x-rays she was put on vasotec and furosemide. She will eat rice with some chicken. I have checked several books, and seem to get contradictory information. What would be an acceptable diet considering she won’t eat dog food?   Dr. Nichol: Good for you. Because of your conscientious care we know what’s wrong with Comet. Treatment has been started but now she won’t eat.…

How to recognize it, How to prevent it, How it’s treated.   Question: What are the symptoms of heartworms and is there a cure? If I give my dog a heartworm pill every month, do I have to give him wormer medicine too?   Dr. Nichol: Smart questions. Every dog owner hears recommendations of heartworm prevention. But not everyone knows why. I’m a veritable fountain of information so I will enlighten you.   Dirofilaria immitus (impressive name, eh?) is a stringy, spaghetti-like worm that gets biggest in the heart but does its worst damage in the lungs. Occasionally other organs…

Immune System Compromise Due to FeLV or FIV May be at Fault Question: About a year ago I started feeding a stray cat and lately he’s been coming in the house to eat. He seems to have a perpetual cold or allergy condition. He snuffles and sneezes all the time. Whatever it is isn’t contagious, because none of our regular house cats are affected. He even has a snub-nose look from wiping his paw across his nose all the time! Otherwise, he’s very healthy–great appetite, shiny coat, pleasant disposition.   Dr. Nichol: You’re a true pet lover to help this…

Collapsing Trachea is Common, especially in Overweight Small Breeds Question: My 9-month-old Pomeranian puppy suffers from a breathing problem. It seems to be an asthma attack. What can I do about it? Dr. Nichol: Pomeranians, and other small breeds, can be prone to a variety of respiratory diseases. You are smart to get this problem managed early because it can become much worse if neglected. The first priority is finding the cause.   Asthma can be a problem in dogs, but your nine-month-old Pomeranian puppy has me more concerned about collapsing trachea. Many of these little guys and girls are…

Collapsing Trachea is a Lifelong Challenge Question: I have a young male chi-wiener dog who has a cough that sounds like human whooping cough.  He gets it maybe once a day and lasts for 10-30 seconds.  He is very healthy and active with a good appetite.   Dr. Nichol: Chronic coughing is never a good sign.  Chi-Wiener’s youth and vigor make cardiac and lung disease unlikely. He may be struggling with kennel cough or he could have a collapsing trachea. An important clue would be coughing when pulling against his collar.   Air moves into and out of our lungs…