Albuquerque Journal Articles

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.…

Nose 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…

Heart 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…

Numerous 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…

There 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…

Many 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)…

Adverse Reactions Plagued ProHeart but other Good Preventatives Remain Question: I read that ProHeart 6 had been recalled.  My poodle was on this medication.  What can be used in its place and what is the status of ProHeart 6?   Dr. Nichol: The every-six-month ProHeart injection seemed like an easy way of preventing heartworm infection but it appeared to cause adverse reactions in enough dogs that it was voluntarily recalled. Dogs who got the injection don’t appear to have any long term risks. ProHeart may or may not be available in the future.   We still have Heartgard and Interceptor.…

Many are Simple to Manage, Others are a Challenge. Nearly all do Well Question: My 10-year-old spayed lab cross has been hypothyroid for 2 1/2 years. Molly’s thyroid is still not stable and she’s been on different levels of levothyroxine, countless blood work and now on phenobarbital for seizures. She is healthy in every other way. I just don’t understand and would like to get Molly better and stable. Dr. Nichol: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid disease) is common and, in most dogs, similar to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis of humans. Fortunately, the majority of dogs respond well to treatment. The others can be…

A Lab’s Common Sense should keep her Safe Question: I have a 9-month-old female Labrador Retriever that loves water (naturally). Would our hot tub be harmful if the temperature is 90 degrees? Dr. Nichol: Labs love the water regardless of temperature. I’m betting your girl is smart enough to get out if it’s too hot for her, as long as you two aren’t DRINKING while you’re in there together.