Albuquerque Journal Articles
A Treatable Disease that is Missing from New Mexico Question: My dog has Lyme disease and an injured spine. Her vet has prescribed prednisone. My concern is a compromised immune system. Are there alternatives? Dr. Nichol: Lyme disease can be a nasty infection that usually causes recurring joint pain often accompanied by lethargy and a poor appetite. Long term it can damage the kidneys and, in some cases, the heart and nervous system. Spinal pain is not unusual; many dogs with Lyme disease walk with a painful arched back. It is a rare disease in cats. The news isn’t…
Read MoreGrey Mucous can be Managed by Simple Eye Cleaning Question: I live in the East Mountains and have a 3-year-old healthy Doberman. Just recently with all of the high winds, I’ve noticed that my dog is getting a white, gooey discharge from her eyes after she wakes up in the mornings. Is this an allergy of some sort? She seems fine and does not paw her eyes or rub her face in the ground. Should I be worried? Dr. Nichol: The only good diagnosis is made on physical exam. That said, it is very likely that your dog has…
Read MoreBlindness may be Reversible is Treated Soon Question: Is there anything I can do to cure Ehrlichia in my dog? She only has 1 symptom; she suddenly lost her eyesight about 4 weeks ago. She tested positive. Dr. Nichol: Ehrlichiosis is a blood parasite that is carried by ticks. It is a nasty disease. The symptoms can appear suddenly or creep up so gradually as to be recognized only in their advanced stages. Your dog’s blindness may be reversible if treatment is swift and sure. The drug of choice for most cases is the antibiotic doxycycline. Dogs with severe anemia…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreImmune 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…
Read MoreDogs & 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…
Read MoreInfectious 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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MorePossible 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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