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.

Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What 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…

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Leptospirosis in Dogs

Vaccination May or May Not be Necessary Question: Our vet recommends Luke have a leptospirosis vaccine. In what specific areas are the large outbreaks of lepto occurring? Does a dog…

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Vaccine Reactions

Our 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…

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Rawhide Chews for Dogs

An Excellent & Safe Pastime Question: My two mini-poodles love to eat rawhide chews. What are you recommendations on this? Dr. Nichol: Go for it. Rawhides are healthy for the…

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Anesthetic Safety in an Older Dog

Age 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…

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Distemper in a Puppy

Euthanasia May be Best Question: I bought a puppy. A day later it had diarrhea and green stuff coming from his eyes. I took the puppy to the vet and…

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Hiccups in Puppies

No 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…

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Diabetes Requires Careful Management

Frequent Insulin Adjustments can Create Big Trouble Question: My dog has diabetes.  For a long while, we weren’t able to get her glucose below 200.  Now it will spike or…

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Health Risks to a Dog Who Catches & Eats Field Mice

Nothing 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…

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