Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Herpes Virus Infection is Rampant in Shelters

Latency causes Repeat Infections; Eye Infections are the Worst Part Question: We adopted a one year old male orange tabby in January, 2005.  He had been in the city’s shelter…

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Sneezing & Eye Discharge in Shelter Kittens

Symptoms can Worsen. A Veterinarian can Guide the Best Treatment Question: I recently adopted a 2 month old kitten from a shelter and the kitten has been sneezing, coughing, had…

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Worsening Cough in a Senior Cat

Severe Disease is a Dangerous Possibility Question: We have a 14 year old cat (Sam) who has recently been coughing as if he trying to cough up a hairball.  It…

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Coughing & Feline Asthma

Siamese Cats are 5 Times More Likely Than Other Breeds to have Asthma Question: I have a 3 1/2-year-old female Siamese. Lately she has been hacking. She never actually throws…

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Coughing Cats

Asthma is common in cats-but it’s not the only cause of coughing.   Question: Hunter is my 6 year old kitty and she’s been coughing lately. I take really good…

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Cat Susceptibility to Canine Bordetella

Question: I am considering adopting a dog from my local shelter, but they have informed me he has kennel cough and that I should isolate my other animals. My children…

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Kennel Cough: Spread & Prevention

Injectable Vaccine is Better Question: I don’t have a question just a heads up to all dog owners that take their dogs to dog parks.  Please get them vaccinated for…

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Kennel Cough

Usually contracted in boarding or grooming establishments, it can be tough to manage. We can help but it always runs its course.   Question: As an owner of three dogs,…

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Noisy Breathing

Gradual onset of paralysis of the voice box can be dangerous but it is treatable.   Question: My 11 year old female lab’s breathing is labored when walking & if…

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