Q: Our 4-year-old goldendoodle Max has had three seizures this year (that I know of). I’m concerned he’s having them more frequently than that. Should we see a vet? Who is the best person to see (and someone I can afford?)
Dr. Nichol: Convulsions are an important red flag. Low blood sugar, inflammatory brain disorders, liver disease, or a previous head injury may be responsible. Most large breed seizuring dogs Max’s age have epilepsy, which is usually responsive to daily medications like phenobarbital, potassium bromide or Keppra (levetiracetam). Without treatment, Max’s seizures are likely to occur more often. The long-term result can be brain damage.
My current work with veterinary neurologist Dr. Scott Schatzberg of the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center has given me a renewed appreciation for accurate seizure diagnosis. I advise having Max’s doctor do a physical exam and blood and urine profiles so effective treatment can be started. There will be some expense, but your good dog is important to you. This is no time to cut costs.
Q: For the past several months, my 22-month-old, very healthy spayed female cat Charlotte has been biting me, especially when she wants my attention. Sometimes her pupils get big and she’ll take a flying leap at me. She’s bitten me hard enough to break the skin. Normally she follows me around the house and wants to be near me but will attempt to bite if I move more than to her liking. When I stop her from biting me, she’ll emit a high-pitched short meow and try to get at me again. That’s when I have to grab her by the scruff and yell “no bite.” Lately she’s even bitten me in the middle of the night, so I keep her out of the bedroom so I can sleep without fear. We have several daily play times with Charlotte’s favorite toys. I love her dearly. She is very precious to me.
Dr. Nichol: Is there a target pinned to your shirt? Does it have a rodent for a bull’s eye? Charlotte is a high-energy feisty kitty with a wild predatory side. You move and she strikes. It’s a common mistake to try to manage aggression with punishments like scruffing or a spray bottle, but what cats like her really need is a healthy outlet for their legitimate need to hunt, stalk, and dismember. Attempts to eradicate Charlotte’s strong personality won’t make it safer to be around her, but it will damage your relationship.
Your consistent daily play with Charlotte is excellent; please stay with it. But considering what a wild child she is, I recommend the gamble of allowing her to hunt in a securely fenced yard. Adding an Invisible Fence would make it escape-proof.
Cat behavior class
Do your cats bite, fight, or use your home as their bathroom? Are they de-upholstering your furniture? I’ll address any unhealthy behaviors in my seminar at the Animal Humane Adoption Center, 9132 Montgomery NE, on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $40.
To register go to facebook.com/drjeffnichol (events) or call 792-5131. Bring plenty of questions. I’ll give individual help.
Dr. Jeff Nichol provides medical care for pets at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital (898-8874) and treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe (505-792-5131).
