Albuquerque Journal Articles
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…
Read MoreCollapsing 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…
Read MoreCollapsing 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…
Read MoreAntibiotics are Necessary but so is a Clear Diagnosis Question: I have a cat that falls into the “feral cat living in a confined space” definition! Rosebud lives in my house but is not tame. She has sounded like a “wet head” for the past few years. But now, she has real congestion with yellowish nasal drainage. I have been crushing antibiotics and mixing them into baby food for her for several days and do not see any improvement. Should I be looking for something else? Dr. Nichol: Poor Rosebud has a serious upper respiratory disease. Without a clear…
Read MorePersian cats can have a simple surgery to correct their narrow nostrils. Question: We have three Persian cats. Two are just fine but one of them (two years old) has trouble breathing. Her nostrils are very narrow. Can anything be done to help her breathe a little easier? I thought maybe tubes can be inserted. Dr. Nichol: This kitty has stenotic nares; it’s as though her nose is being pinched. Persian cats have pushed-in faces that, in some cases, make the sides of the nostrils cave-in on themselves. You are right about it being difficult for her to…
Read MoreSome abnormal heart sounds are dangerous but early, thorough diagnosis is key to good outcomes. Question: I’m a proud owner of a beautiful Siberian Husky who is eight weeks old and is suspected to have a heart murmur. If that is true what will happen to my puppy and will she be able to live a long life? I’m worried to death. Dr. Nichol: I understand how you feel. If you learn more about heart murmurs you’ll feel better. Using a stethoscope we can hear the extra heart sounds that are called murmurs. It’s a shhh sound during…
Read MoreTreat year ‘round with once monthly chewables. Question: We moved 6 months ago and our vet there didn’t heartworm test our dog after he was 9 months old because the dog was on the heartworm preventive year ’round. Our new vet says that the dog needs to be blood tested every year. Why? It’s so expensive and I’m a senior citizen on a limited income. Dr. Nichol: You have raised an important question. Here are the basic facts that you must know to protect your dog. There are two types of heartworm preventive tablets. One is give daily,…
Read MoreGive OTC Meds Prior to Travel Question: Lu Lu, the 4 month old miniature poodle, has responded well to your house breaking tips and continues to be a happy, energetic, entertaining puppy but she doesn’t do well on road trips. She frequently vomits and doesn’t appear to be enjoying herself at all. Is there anything we could do to ameliorate her symptoms so we can get on with our ‘new life on the road with Lu Lu’? Dr. Nichol: Please say Lu Lu isn’t driving when this happens. Gripping a steering wheel without opposable thumbs is hard enough; it has to be a…
Read MoreNo Need for Concern-No Toxic Risk Question: When our shelter rescue dog joined our family recently, we noticed shotgun pellets imbedded in several locations on his body. He must have led a colorful life before coming into our family. If these pellets are lead, is there any danger long-term of them leaching lead into his body and causing harm? Should they all be removed? Any danger if they are steel pellets. Dr. Nichol: Remember the old Western movies when a wounded gunslinger would take a belt of whiskey and then bite a bullet while his comrade sterilized a knife…
Read MoreDiet, Internal Illness are possible Causes Question: I have a 15 year old boxer beagle mix. He is in great health except he is getting gas worse and worse. It really smells bad and can clear the room. I have had to purchase a small fan to put at his rear end to blow the fumes out of the room. I have had all blood work, urinalysis, and fecal tests done and he is good. Also, he drinks about a gallon of water a day. He does not have diabetes. He will even “wet” the bed at night sometimes. …
Read More