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Pet Care

Albuquerque veterinarian Jeff Nichol answers readers' pet-care questions. Visit his website at www.drjeffnichol.com.

Cat's Seizures Require Consultation With Vet
Q: My 3-year-old cat, Marley, has been having a seizure a day. It pulls him out of a sleep and he jerks and foams at the mouth. They usually last two to three minutes. I feel helpless as they happen. I've been hesitant to take Marley to the vet (my funds are heavily restricted), but I've never felt so helpless. Help! I'm worried about my kid! (May 20)

Don't Pull Bird Feathers Unless They are Bleeding
Q: My neighbor's cockatoo has chewed and broken off her feathers for 11 years. One "expert" said to always pull the shaft from the bird using tweezers, and another said not to unless it's a blood feather. She gives Princess lots of toys and attention. (May 13)

Nervous Scottie May Not Be Good Show-Dog Choice
Q: I breed and show Scottish terriers. I have a lovely female 9 months old. In the kennel she is normal temperament, aggressive with tail up. She falls apart out of the kennel; will not put her tail up, also shows no self-assuredness toward other dogs or humans. I have been giving her a big dose of socialization by bouncing her back and forth from my friend's home, then back to the kennel. We are taking her everywhere and letting everyone touch her. While doing this socializing would giving her Clomicalm help her achieve this self-assuredness? (April 29)

Introduction of Toy Upset Feline Social Hierarchy
Q: I have two 9-month-old male cats, littermates, who get along very well. I gave them a rabbit fur toy with feathers to play with, and one of the cats became very involved with it. I had never heard him growl or seen him hiss before but it happened when his brother approached him and the ball. I immediately took the ball away. Should I just throw it away, or is he enjoying himself? (April 22)

Go Back to Basics When House-Training Dog
Q: I have a 2-year-old Westie that is so hard to house-train. We keep her in a cage during the day, take her out before we leave in the mornings, and at night before we go to bed. But, most of the time she messes in her cage. She has wet the area rugs I have in the living room. I have heard that Westies just can't hold it as long as other dogs. (April 15)

Combing, Lubricant Help Reduce Hairballs
Q: I am enjoying reading your book, "Is My Cat OK?" Zappa, our American shorthair cat, is benefiting from the added knowledge. This time of the year he has more furballs. I comb him regularly and give him Petromalt. Do you have any suggestions? (April 8)

Long-Term Infection Can Have Fatal Consequences
Q: I took my female mixed terrier for many checkups for what I thought was a respiratory problem. There was some thought of extracting some teeth. Antibiotics helped but did not totally clear it up. She still has a clogged-up nose, which makes her breathing labored. I have given her Benadryl and even tried Noni juice. What else can I try? (April 1)

Energetic Lab Will Get Attention Any Way He Can
Q: How do I stop my black Lab from scratching on the door to get inside the house? We've tried yelling, spraying with water and ignoring. Of course, once we open the door he stops. (March 25)

How to Tell When Kittens Are Coming
Q: I would like to breed my Siamese cat. I love Fudge dearly and don't want any harm to come to her. I want to know I have everything she will need to be happy and healthy. (March 18)

Upset Esophagus Likely Cause of Puppy's Illness
Q: For one month, my 7-month-old beagle, Bailey, has had a horrible cough and has been vomiting his water. My vet concluded that he has Kennel Cough, he was given antibiotics and a cough suppressant. His state has remained the same. (March 4)

Feline's Hair Licking a Symptom of Anxiety
Q: I have an 11-year-old female Siamese. Starting about three years ago, she started licking her fur off on her lower belly. Here and there, she would stop and the hair would sometimes grow back. Unfortunately, since the addition of two other cats six months ago her condition has rapidly become worse. She has since cleared an area that covers from as far up on her chest as she can reach, her entire abdomen, and the inside of both back legs. The skin is raw and completely hairless. (February 25)