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Friday, January 21, 2011
Skin woe rampant for foster
By Dr. Jeff Nichol
Of the Journal
Q: Do you know any tricks to help Wanda deal with a persistent ringworm problem in her foster cat home? She's getting tired of it after a six-month battle.
Dr. Nichol: Wanda is a friend of a friend of mine, a man who describes her as a feline saint. He's right. Foster pet parents collectively save thousands of lives every year by caring for orphaned or sick cats and dogs until these waifs are ready for adoption. Fungal skin infections (aka ringworm) are a common burr under the saddle of these pet lovers.
Ringworm isn't the only possibility; there's a handful of causes for flaky, itchy skin in a litter of kittens. An accurate diagnosis is essential. Wanda's veterinarian can use a toothbrush to collect a sample of tiny skin flakes for a fungal culture. If there is growth in several days, the oral antifungal medication itraconazole can be prescribed. If improvement is slow, weekly lime sulfur dips will be added for all cats in the household.
Fungal spores are hearty; they live 18 to 60 months and can reinfect Wanda's kitties all over again. The entire home should be vacuumed daily for seven days. Wanda will need to disinfect all hard surfaces with a 9:1 water: bleach mixture. All fabrics must be laundered and machine dried (high heat).
This war on ringworm can be won only if Wanda follows the plan. It's a whole lot of work, even for a selfless volunteer. My hat's off to this lady and others of her nurturing ilk.
Q: We just adopted a dog from the shelter. She is great with people, but when another dog is involved she is extremely aggressive and if she wasn't being held back we believe she would bite the other dog. She is 7 months old and was a stray.
Dr. Nichol: This is a scared puppy — with good reason. Dogs are gregarious creatures that form strong bonds. Your girl has already been separated from more than one social group. Many dogs with this history become fearful and anxious.
If this puppy has been intimidated by aggressive dogs in her past, she'll have a fear-based reaction to the sight of potential bullies. She has learned that by mounting a belligerent front most will back away, allowing her to feel safe again.
Ignoring your girl's aggressive outbursts will be essential to success because dogs will see any response from their leader as a reward. Avoid corrections. Just quietly walk her away from perceived threats.
The goal will be to teach her to look to you for instructions when she's frightened. You will be her reliable, trusted leader. The best training tool is a Gentle Leader head halter. Antianxiety medication may also play a helpful part. You are welcome to contact my office if you need help.
Dog behavior
Learn positive leadership without intimidation.
Bad dog behavior causes major frustration. As a tyrant you'll never drive long-term improvement ... but you can motivate positive change. Learn how during my seminar at the Canine Country Club, 7327 Fourth NW, at 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Cost: $40. Call 277-0077 to register. I'll give individual help.
Dr. Jeff Nichol provides medical care for pets at the Petroglyph Animal Hospital in Albuquerque (898-8874). He treats behavior disorders at the Veterinary Specialty Centers in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe (505-792-5131). Contact Dr. Nichol on his website www.drjeffnichol.com (click Submit a Question?) or 6633 Caminito Coors NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Find me on Facebook.
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