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.

Fainting German Shepherd

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…

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Dusty Cat Litter can cause Respiratory Disease Flare-Ups

Premium Quality Clumping Litter is Safest Question: I recently switched from using clay litter to clumping litter.  I noticed that it’s extremely dusty when pouring it into the litter box. …

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Coughing Older Dog

Congestive Heart Failure is Common & usually Responsive to Treatment Question: My dog is 16 years old and has not been to the vets in a long time. He has…

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Update on Canine Influenza

Canine Flu Vaccine Available By now we’re all aware of the H1N1 swine flu. Canine flu (H3N8), while not contagious to humans, is also on the upswing. Fortunately New Mexico’s…

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Dog Flu

A Possible Serious Epidemic-Dogs have No Natural Immunity Dog lovers need to be aware of a new infectious disease called dog flu. So far there have been no cases identified…

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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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