Don’t Sugarcoat It: The Facts of Feline Diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time that calls attention to the impact this disease has on millions of Americans and to the daily health choices we make. But while most associate diabetes with humans, many do not realize that our feline friends are also susceptible to the disease. Dr. Audrey Cook, a professor at […]
The Benefits of a Balanced Microbiome
The term “gut microbiome” is often used to refer to all the organisms—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that live in an animal’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For people and pets, these organisms have a large impact on the health of both the GI tract and the entire body. Dr. Audrey Cook, an associate professor at the Texas […]
Managing Canine Diabetes
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is not the most common disease found in pets, but it can be a serious health concern if not treated. Caring for a pet with diabetes may seem daunting, but many pet owners find that it is not as difficult as it seems. In honor of National Pet Diabetes Month in […]
A Shaker Full of Love
Michelle and Pete Gerukos’ dog Shaker was one in a million. Always the happy-go-lucky, funny guy, the Golden Retriever lived like the entire world was his playground and, in the meantime, completely changed the way the Gerukoses lived their lives and beheld each day…with light hearts and TONS of laughter. Shaker embraced life full-on and […]
Is your pet obese?
Like humans, pets can develop excess body fat that can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes or degenerative joint disease. But how can you tell if your pet has obesity? In recognition of National Pet Obesity Awareness Day on Oct. 11, Dr. Audrey Cook, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary […]
Three Faculty Members Recognized with University-Level Distinguished Achievement Awards
The Texas A&M Association of Former Students (AFS) honored three members of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) faculty with university-level Distinguished Achievement Awards, which are among the highest honors presented by the AFS. This year’s honorees from the CVM are Dr. Audrey K. Cook, associate professor in […]
Preventing Obesity in Pets
Like humans, pets can become obese and develop excess body fat, which can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes or degenerative joint disease. In order to provide your furry best friend with the highest quality of life and increase their life span, be sure to follow these simple steps to prevent obesity in […]
Feline Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted to an animal through the bite of a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae, which eventually settle into the blood vessels of the lungs or within the heart itself. Although cats are less susceptible than dogs to heartworm infection, our feline friends are still very much at risk of heartworm disease. “Cats have […]
Feline Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms and Treatments
Is your middle-aged cat experiencing increased thirst, appetite, and urination? Is your furry friend losing weight or has a change in behavior? If so, your family cat may have hyperthyroidism. This common disease is caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, called T3 and T4, due to dysfunction of the thyroid glands in the cat’s […]
Diagnosing and Treating Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Hypothyroidism is not limited to people; it is common in dogs as well. This problem occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine, a hormone with numerous functions such as regulating the body’s metabolic rate. This disease is often seen in dogs that are 4 to 6 years old. Any breed may develop […]
