Albuquerque Journal Articles

A new vaccine by Red Rock Biologics can reduce the risk of painful injury and death from rattlesnake bites in dogs. The vaccination is given in two doses about one month apart. To remain effective it is boostered every 6 months; a good idea since rattle snakes may be encountered year ’round in New Mexico. Possible vaccine side effects can include an allergic reaction and swelling at the site of the injection.   Just because your dog lives here doesn’t mean he has to have this; more vaccinations aren’t always better. An immunized dog who is bitten should still get…

Joint Pain makes it Hard to get Outside Question: 15 year old terrier/collie mix is losing control of anal muscles. Has difficulty holding squat position. Outside walks in straight line, dropping as she goes. Occasionally drops several “bombs” in house without meaning to. Looks sheepish. Have not scolded her.   Dr. Nichol: Thank you for not punishing your senior dog for her bombing missions. She knows she’s breaking the rules but her tired old joints hurt so much she just can’t get outside in time.   Joint pain is common in geriatric dogs, especially those who are large breed or…

Also covered in the Snake Bites section of this book, this answer will provide additional detail.   Question: Last year my friend’s dog got snake bit. I have a new puppy and we plan to hike a lot and it’s already getting warm. What happens if we find a snake? What should I do if my puppy gets bit?   Dr. Nichol: This is a subject that strikes fear into the hearts of most of us. The type of snakes you might run into has everything to do with the part of the country where you plan to hike. Coral…

Forget Tempting Treats-Get Medical Attention for that Sick Senior Dog Question: In January my 16-year-old dachshund/cocker cross stopped eating her dry dog food. Canned food caused her to have diarrhea and vomiting. Now she’s eating very little.  She’s very thin, and I’d like to know what I can feed her that might help her gain a few pounds.   Dr. Nichol: I can tell how much you love this girl. The reason for her weight loss and poor appetite is that she’s sick. No amount of tasty morsels will make her well. She could have cancer, organ failure, or a…

Bone Lesions can only be Controlled with Long Term Medication Question: After we moved to Tucson in 2002 our Keeshond developed Valley Fever which didn’t invade his lungs or spine, but led to almost complete disintegration of his bones in his front legs. He stays on fluconizole for 4 months or so, then his titer is normal, so he goes off it.  About six months later he starts going lame again, so the titer is run, he goes on the drug for 4-5 months. When he is on the drug, he acts like a young kid again, running and bounding around.  Is…

Overweight Dogs Stealing Food Food Competition is Normal-Feed Separately Question: I have two dogs who eat each other’s food nearly every day to the point where the lab is becoming over weight. I try to catch them “in the act” but that’s not always possible. What can we do to help them?   Dr. Nichol: Dogs are competitive eaters for a reason. Despite the abundance of food in your home your two Labs are sure a famine will be starting in about 20 minutes. Competition for food is the reason obesity is common in multiple dog households.   Feed your…

SARDS is Incurable Question: We discovered a few weeks ago our Brittany dog, Val, is experiencing SARDS, Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome. I am devastated at how quickly he is losing his eyesight. He is only 8 years old and in good health otherwise.   It is difficult to see how confused he is. His activity level has dropped dramatically. He used to love to hunt lizards but now I’m afraid he’ll scratch his eye since he can’t see if something is going to poke him.   Dr. Nichol: I’m really sorry to hear about Val’s blindness. Like anybody who…

Cataracts are Common but Treatable Question: My 10-year-old heeler cross, Maeve, was diagnosed last year with diabetes. She has responded very well to the twice-daily insulin injections and the low-fat dog food and in most ways is doing just great. However, she now appears to be completely blind. What are the options for her blindness?   Dr. Nichol: Maeve is not alone.  Cataracts occur in 3/4 of diabetic dogs within one year of the onset of their disease. Blindness is the most common diabetic complication but it doesn’t have to be permanent.   Cataracts are described as a clouding of…

No Need for Concern about the Use of Jugular Veins Question: My 95 pound sheepdog mix has been a blood donor for the past year.  I was happy to allow him to give blood for other dogs until I learned that they draw blood from the jugular vein (I had assumed it was the leg). I am concerned about the risk in drawing blood from this vital blood vessel.   Dr. Nichol: You and your excellent dog are providing an even greater service than you may realize. Upwards of 75% of dog and cat owners regard their pets as children.…