Albuquerque Journal Articles

Feral Cat’s Eye Discharge Suggest Viral Disease

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Feral Cat’s Eye Discharge Suggest Viral Disease

A Risky Disease with Long Term Issues Question: I have a feral cat and cannot cage him to get him to a vet. Otherwise he jumps in my lap and is most lovable. He has an eye drainage. I have been using a damp cloth to clear the gunk. Is there any medication that would help?   Dr. Nichol: You’re doing the right thing to eliminate his eye discharge; it’s teeming with organisms. That little guy may have a viral disease, like many feral cats, or there could be foreign material like a foxtail awn next to his eye. He…

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Ehrlichiosis

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

A Potentially Fatal Disease, Most Dogs Respond Well to Treatment Question: I am the “grandmother” of a handsome poodle with a big problem. He has been diagnosed with Ehrlichia platys and has been a very sick boy. We would like clarification of exactly what this disease is and what medical course we should take. The vet has him on antibiotics and has had a course of prednisone. He has responded well but they tell us this is a life long disease. We really do love this boy!   Dr. Nichol: You are right to be concerned about your granddog. Ehrlichia…

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Chronic Eye Discharge in an Otherwise Healthy Cat

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Chronic Eye Discharge in an Otherwise Healthy Cat

Immune Suppressive Diseases like Feline AIDS, Leukemia, & FIP are Important to Consider Question: We have the best cat in the world, his name is Bing. He has chronically goopy eyes. We’ve tried anti-allergen food, but it doesn’t reduce the discharge. We also tried an organic, non-silica kitty litter, which did no good. Is the eye stuff a big problem? Dr. Nichol: Bing thanks you for caring about his uncomfortable eyes and for bragging on his ranking in the world of cats. He is lucky to have you. That said, I’m concerned about that persistent infection.   There are lots…

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West Nile Virus

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on West Nile Virus

Dogs & Cats are Not at Risk Question: Do I need to protect my dogs from the West Nile virus?   Dr. Nichol: This spreading infection is nerve wracking for horses, birds, and humans, but our dogs and cats are way out of the loop. For the latest and greatest on West Nile, I contacted state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Ettestad in Santa Fe. The good doctor pointed out that with carrier mosquitoes spreading this infection as far west as Texas and Colorado, our state is likely to be next. Testing is currently being done on mosquitoes, horses, and large birds…

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Eye & Nose Discharge

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Eye & Nose Discharge

Infectious upper respiratory diseases can linger & run rampant in multiple cat households.   Question: I have a litter of white kittens  who are approximately 3 months old plus 6 cats. They have never been outside but they have developed a discharge from their eyes and scabs around their noses. Only two of them are infected. They have not had any shots as of yet. Their behavior has not changed and they run and play and eat really well. And now another cat is getting the same symptoms. I am concerned it might be distemper even though they never go…

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Exercising Dog with Bike Riding

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Exercising Dog with Bike Riding

A Healthy Dog Can Run Longer than a Human Can Ride Question: I was wondering what’s your take on biking with a dog. I’ve got an Aussie that I’ve been biking with a mile or so in the morning and she seems to be doing fine. She has a good sprint the first couple of blocks then an easy pace and a few stops and smell the poops along the way. I use a 6-foot lead with a Halti.   Dr. Nichol: Exercise is important for both of you, but for different reasons. Sedentary people get fat, lazy, cranky, and…

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Puppy Epiphora

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Puppy Epiphora

Possible Injury, Possible Birth Defect Question: I am in the process of purchasing a Lab puppy from a litter of 8. The one I picked seems to have a small amount of tearing, the others do not. Should I be concerned that might lead to eye problems later on? Or is this normal? Dr. Nichol: You may have reason for concern. If that new baby has a minor infection (conjunctivitis) it should be easy to manage with ointment or drops. On the other hand, tears may be overflowing onto your puppy’s face because the tear ducts are blocked with discharge…

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Overweight Dogs & Cats

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Overweight Dogs & Cats

R/d is the Best Way to Shed the Pounds & Prevent Serious Disease Question: Is Science diet r/d formula equal to the prescription r/d? Can I buy this r/d food anywhere else besides my vet?   Dr. Nichol: The prescription diets (r/d and others) are made by Hills Science Diet. R/d is the best weight reduction diet I’ve ever known. (Just look at my girlish figure.) R/d’s big difference, compared with “light” diets, is that it’s much higher in fiber and a lot lower in fat. It’s actually fat deficient, requiring overweight pets to use up some of their stored…

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Chronic Discharge from One Eye is Potentially Dangerous

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Chronic Discharge from One Eye is Potentially Dangerous

Let Go of Fears of Expense or Losing Cat-Get Treatment ASAP Question: A homeless, male tabby that comes by our home is such a sweet boy. Poor Goober has had a very bad infection in one eye for about 3 weeks. It’s very pink and it looks raw. I came close to hauling him to the animal hospital but I’m afraid they’ll fine us (he’s not really our kitty and he’s not microchipped). I’m not prepared to pay hundreds of dollars. What if they decide to keep him or euthanize him? I just want some medicine for Goober. Dr. Nichol: Goober…

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Swelling of the Abdomen, Weight Loss, & Yellow Gums

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Swelling of the Abdomen, Weight Loss, & Yellow Gums

Advanced liver disease can be deadly but many cases are manageable.   Question: Our beautiful old dog is getting a little weak. And her stomach is getting big but when I feel her head and her back, she’s skin and bones. When you push on her stomach, it’s soft and mushy. She still feels pretty much OK but I also notice that her gums are a little bit yellow. Why is her belly big?   Dr. Nichol: I’m glad you are getting advice. This old girl needs help for what sounds like liver failure. Let me explain.   The liver…

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