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.

Nasal Discharge & Difficulty Breathing

Tooth Root Infections Can Be Diagnosed with Dental X-rays Question: I took my female mixed terrier for many check ups for, what I thought, was a respiratory problem. There was…

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Sneezing & Coughing

Dogs don’t get colds the way we do, but they can get some serious upper respiratory disease. See the doctor.   Question: I have a 7-year-old mixed breed (lab &…

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Heart Disease in Cats

Cardiomyopathy can cause blood clots. Severe pain & paralysis can be debilitating.   Question: My cat has just had his second thromboembolism. My vet has treated him with heparin. Does…

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Snorting, (You Know, Like a Pig)

“Reverse Sneezing” usually has allergic causes. Antihistamines should help.   Question: I have a 3 year old female pug named “Pug”. I know we should have come up with something…

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Heart Disease

Medications can have side effects. Know what to look for.   Question: My dog, Comet, is 11 years old with enlarged heart and liver. She is refusing to eat her…

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Heartworm Disease

How to recognize it, How to prevent it, How it’s treated.   Question: What are the symptoms of heartworms and is there a cure? If I give my dog a…

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Chronic Nasal Discharge

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…

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Pomeranian with Difficulty Breathing

Collapsing 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…

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Chronic Coughing in an Active Young Dog

Collapsing 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…

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