Albuquerque Journal Articles
It’s fatal in 50% of dogs who have it. It must be treated quickly & aggressively Question: What is done to treat Hemolytic Anemia? My 9 year old Airedale- Shepherd mix Dog has been diagnosed with Hemolytic Anemia and I searching for treatment options. Thank you in advance for your help. Dr. Nichol: The problem that has beset your dog is complex and quite delicate to treat. The full name for this disease is Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). It means that your dog’s immune system is building antibodies against the surfaces of her red blood cells and…
Read MoreUmbilical hernias are common in puppies. Most are insignificant. A few can be dangerous. Question: We have a 10 week old white German Shepherd puppy and I just noticed a lump about the size of the tip of a pinky finger on her tummy below her rib cage. What could it be? Dr. Nichol: You describe an umbilical hernia. This is a birth defect that is usually quite minor. The lump you are noticing is likely to be a small amount of normal fat that has slipped into the location of the umbilicus (belly button). The hernia, an…
Read MoreAnal Glands are a common cause of rear end discomfort. It’s usually easy to remedy. Question: Is it an old wife’s tale or a fact that if a dog chases its tail that it will go crazy and have to be put to sleep? This sweet little Spitz also loves to chase her tail. I would appreciate any help in these two areas. Dr. Nichol: Tail chasing: Sometimes I feel like my live could be described that way. Will I go crazy and have to be put to sleep? If that happens this column won’t grace this newspaper…
Read MoreLong toenails make for painful arthritic feet. Black nails are hard to trim safely. Here is the how-to. Question: I’ve recently acquired my deceased mother’s dog. I’m taking her to the vet soon to have her checked out and to get shots updated. My main question is her toenails are so long that they curve and lay to the side. Can I trim them back to the normal length without causing her any harm? I’m really concerned about her. Dr. Nichol: Caring for your mother’s dog is a genuine act of love. Your compassion for that little girl…
Read MoreSurgical removal is only necessary for field dogs. Question: We recently adopted a 6-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy from an animal shelter. He is “double dewclawed” on his hind legs. Do they need to be removed? One vet said they should be removed; the other said it’s optional. I’m planning on walking him every day in fields and on forest trails, also some rugged hiking in New Hampshire. I understand that removing dewclaws is more of a prophylactic measure–“just in case” they get snagged–as well as cosmetic. (Personally, I don’t care what his feet look like!) What are the chances…
Read MoreWhat do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on a dog or a cat so we got both. We know they need shots but I’ve called a few vet clinics and I’m getting different answers on how many shots they need. Can you advise us on what’s best? Dr. Nichol: Boy, am I glad to hear this question. It is painful for me to recall the number of these babies who have died of preventable diseases only…
Read MoreOur best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual vaccinations. In fact, she almost died. She was literally unable to move without a great deal of pain and her eyes were glazed. She was treated but barely survived. They told us that they give the same dosage of vaccinations to all dogs, whether Chihuahua or Great Dane. I find that hard to believe. Now, I am extremely reluctant to chance it again. And why is it necessary to vaccinate…
Read MoreAge is not a disease. Safety is really a function of health. Complete lab work will solve the safety question. Question: My beloved Cairn Terrier is 13 and his vet has recommended neutering him to prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems. He will also clean the dog’s teeth and remove some warts. At the equivalent of 91 human years, I’m of course worried about Excalibur surviving the surgery and wondering how long his possible life span might be after such surgery (or, for that matter, without it). Dr. Nichol: I can understand your concerns about Excalibur’s safety. You…
Read MoreNo Treatment Necessary Question: I never thought I’d be writing to you (sounds like Dear Abby). I have a 5-month-old Basset Hound named Homer who has a terrible problem with hiccups. He seems to get them daily and I can’t imagine using any human remedies on him. He’s a little high strung so I’m afraid that scaring him would kill him! Just joking. Any ideas? Dr. Nichol: Abby and I are old pals, having shared this page for a while. Lately our readers have been confusing our identities. I’m concerned that, having spent so much time together, we may…
Read MoreNothing Important to Worry About. Tapeworms & Hanta Virus are Highly Unlikely Question: I recently caught my pedigree-challenged dog chasing and catching a field mouse. She dropped the mouse when I shouted, but I’m sure this is not an isolated incident. Can she get sick if she catches/kills/ingests a field mouse? Dr. Nichol: Dogs can be such animals, can’t they? You’d never catch a human hunting, killing and eating a defenseless creature. No sir, we’re all so peaceful. Now I feel better. Your dog is quite unlikely to get any diseases by exercising her predatory instincts. In fact,…
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