Albuquerque Journal Articles
Cataracts or Lens Instability are likely causes Question: Our cat, Stevie, is 12 years old. In the last few months she seems to have a hard time jumping up on the bed. She still runs up the stairs, has no problem squatting to do her business, and doesn’t seem in pain. She will launch up halfway on the side of the bed, then pull herself up with her front paws as if she were on a climbing rope, or doing chin ups. Could it be her eye sight? Dr. Nichol: It’s a good thing you’re paying attention. Cats don’t…
Read MoreNose Temperature is Never Reliable; a Thermometer is Much Better Question: Is a cold nose an indicator of health in a cat (like a dog) or is it OK if a cat’s nose is warm? Dr. Nichol: I’ve enjoyed thousands of canine and feline noses in my years of practice but, contrary to folklore, their temperatures have no meaning whatever. Good ways to monitor your pet’s health are to watch for a change in appetite, weight, water consumption, urine, stool, and activity level. Be concerned if your pet consistently breathes fast or with difficulty, coughs, sneezes, wheezes, or develops lumps…
Read MoreBlindness can Result but it Can be Treated Question: We adopted the cutest little dog from a shelter. She was a mess-matted, fleas and smelly. The vet said she was virtually blind-something about not enough tears as a puppy. We love our little Buttons to pieces. Is there an eye specialist you would recommend? She is happy but would be such fun if she could see further than her nose. Dr. Nichol: Buttons sounds delightful. Her eyes may respond well to treatment but she’ll need help soon to prevent permanent damage. Poor tear production, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS for…
Read MoreHeart Disease, the most Likely Cause, may Result in Sudden Death Question: Do dogs faint? Yesterday I noticed my 6 year old female German Shepherd appear to faint twice. We were playing fetch when she suddenly wobbled, then fell over on her side. After 30 seconds she got up. This morning she had another bout. Does this need investigation? Dr. Nichol: Your dog’s fainting problem is serious business. There are many possible causes for a German Shepherd of her age to pass out, but heart disease tops the list. Her worst case scenario could be sudden death if she has…
Read MoreFeline Herpes can Cause Severe Eye Disease & Death Question: We have recently taken home 3 kittens to nurse them back to health. Two of them are healthy, but one is much smaller than her siblings, and doesn’t play or anything. She is about 7 weeks old. Her eyes have been getting hard, crusty stuff in them (sometimes yellow), and it looks like something has formed on the outside of one eye. Dr. Nichol: You are doing a kind thing to care for these homeless kittens. That sick baby may be in serious trouble. None of these kids has…
Read MoreNumerous Health Risks plus Overpopulation Make Spaying the Right Choice Question: A friend recently got a lab X puppy. When I asked if he was going to spay her – he said he wanted to let her have a litter first because it makes a “better dog”. I’d like to be able to argue that point. Dr. Nichol: It can be tough debating folks who are sure of things that aren’t so. Start by explaining that mixed bred puppies (and often their purebred brethren) can be difficult or impossible to place in good homes. It’s easy to get excited…
Read MoreSmall Tumors Should be Removed Question: I am a widowed senior citizen. I have a 10 year old miniature poodle. This little dog has lost most of her eyesight due to cataracts. For several months she has had sties appear on her right eye. She now has one that has grown to the size of an English pea. It does not seem to bother her. The sty seems to have some drainage. Dr. Nichol: Your poodle is not alone. We see a lot of eyelid masses in middle aged to older dogs. Most of these lumps cause irritations and…
Read MoreThere are a Few Routes; All take Education Question: How does a person become an animal behaviorist? Does one need to go through veterinary college or something more like an apprenticeship? Dr. Nichol: There are a few choices. A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian (4 years of undergraduate study plus 4 years of veterinary medical school) who has also completed a residency program and passed a national board examination. Veterinarians, whether board certified or not, are the only people legally able to diagnose and treat medical and behavioral problems in animals, including prescribing medications. You could become an…
Read MoreEffective Treatment will Eliminate Pain & Preserve Eyesight Question: My elderly cat has red rimmed crusty eyes. What causes this and how do I treat? Dr. Nichol: Your kitty is really uncomfortable. Cats whose tear glands fail in their job of keeping the eyes moist have dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (abbreviated KCS). It’s somewhat unusual in cats but common in dogs. KCS is a serious problem. Symptoms can go well beyond chronic redness and a pus-like discharge. Many squint and have swelling of the third eyelid. The membranes beneath the upper and lower eyelids may also…
Read MoreMany Possible Causes but Cancer Tops the List Question: Our 12 year old Lab/Border Collie has had back pain for 2 years and is very weak in the back legs. We’ve done a variety of treatments and none has worked. His appetite is seriously declining. All blood tests were normal except for high calcium. Our vet says that indicates cancer of the parathyroid. Surgery and chemotherapy are not options for us. We understand that his condition will lead to renal failure. How can we improve the calcium level? Dr. Nichol: Your dog’s pain and hypercalcemia (CQ) (elevated blood calcium)…
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