The Cooke Veterinary Medical Center

03/07/2025

They aren't still hungry. It is a gene that makes them overeat.

Scientists have found a genetic cause of many labradors' - and some people's - tendency to overeat.

03/05/2025

Whether it’s the luck of the Irish or pure coincidence… we surely do have the best patients and clients in all of Hampton Roads🍀

Here is a sneek peek of the many lucky charms we are delighted to care for 🌈

02/27/2025

✨Surgical spotlight✨

Miss Maisey was presented with lethargy, decreased appetite, and overall was not acting like her normal self this past week🤒🐾

With advanced in house diagnostics, including bloodwork, radiographs, and an abdominal ultrasound, we were able to determine that she had a 6cm x 6cm mass within her spleen and that was most likely the source of her anemia and lethargy🩸🩺🩻

We performed a splenectomy surgery as this was determined to be the best course of action for her, and she is now feeling much better, and resting comfortably at home with her family❤️

Due to the advanced diagnostic equipment that we have in house at Cooke Vet, we were able to diagnose and treat Maisey on the same day, right here where it’s familiar to her, and where she is surrounded by caring/familiar faces.

We will always refer our patients out to specialists when appropriate, but our commitment is to invest in leading edge training, technology and equipment to allow us to offer full circle care for our patients right here, whenever it is in their best interest for us to do so.

02/25/2025

For fun show us the true rulers of your house!!! Is your pet the king or queen of your corner of the world? Show us their best “you belong to me human” pose. 😊🐾❤️

02/17/2025

Winter Storm PSA: Cooke Veterinary Medical Center Update

Due to the anticipated snow and hazardous road conditions, the Cooke Veterinary Medical Center will be closing early on Wednesday, February 19th, and will most likely be closed on Thursday, February 20th.

Please plan ahead to ensure you have all the essentials stocked for your pets.

We recommend getting the following items in advance:
•Essential Medications (Be sure to get refills!)
•Dog/Cat Food (Including treats!)
•Kitty Litter/Doggy Bags

Stay safe, stay warm, and we will keep you updated as conditions evolve!

02/07/2025

Love is always in the air at Cooke Vet💘

So to our lovely clients and patients know that you are absolutely purrrrfect! And we are always here for you both.Feel free to come on in for a sweet valentine’s day pic with your furry friend this month💗🐾

XOXO,
The Cooke Veterinary Medical Center Team 💋

02/01/2025

Sukie beat Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Until recently it was always fatal. Anti-viral medications made for COVID now helps us help these cats !!

We keep the medication on hand to treat these sick cats. FIP usually occurs in young kittens and the symptoms are lethargy, diarrhea, bloated/swollen belly, ocular and nervous system signs. The absolute key to success is to get them treated ASAP. Hours matter with this condition. Don’t “wait and see”. If they have it, it will be the difference of them surviving or not!!!

We❤️❤️❤️Cats !!! And are ready to heal them !!

01/24/2025

Let’s talk about the Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Domestic Cats🐈‍⬛🐈🐾

Avian influenza, also know as H5N1, has been in the news recently due to an outbreak in dairy cattle. Additionally, several cats have been reported to have contracted the virus. Cats are known to be susceptible to the H5N1 virus, which can cause severe illness.

Cats can be infected with H5N1 several ways. The most recent outbreaks in the news have been traced back to contaminated food sources – specifically, unpasteurized milk or dairy products and raw or undercooked meat products. Cats can also be infected by exposure to wild birds or poultry or exposure to people working on H5N1-affected farms.

Clinical signs of H5N1 in cats include general signs, such as fever, loss or decrease in appetite, tiredness or lethargy. Disease in cats often progresses quickly to sneezing and/or coughing, depression, copious eye and nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and neurological signs such as wobbliness, circling, tremors, blindness, and even seizures.

If you suspect your cat has H5N1, please contact your veterinarian, limit their contact with any people with compromised immune systems, and monitor yourself and your family for signs of illness.

There haven’t been any reports of cats infected with H5N1 spreading the virus to people. Though it’s a low risk, it is still a possibility that this virus can jump species. We recommend you follow the CDC’s recommendations for personal protective equipment and limiting your exposure (see below).

To prevent H5N1 in cats, we recommend not feeding any undercooked or raw meat, dairy, or
milk products to your cat; keeping your cat indoors away from wild and dead birds; keeping your cat away from livestock and their environments, especially in areas with a known H5N1 outbreak; and wash your hands and change your clothes after handling or encountering poultry, livestock, and/or wild birds and your cats.

References:
“Northwest Naturals of Portland Voluntary Recall of Northwest Naturals Brand 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen Pet Food Due to HPAI Contamination.” Oregon Department of Agriculture Newsroom. December 26, 2024. https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-
newsroom/OR/ODA/Posts/Post/morasch-meats-voluntary-recall-feline-raw-pet-food-
hpai #:~:text=The%20Oregon%20Department%20of%20Agriculture,Avian%20Influenza%20(H
PAI)%20virus.

“Cat and Dog Food Manufacturers Required to Consider H5N1 in Food Safety Plans.” FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Updates. January 17, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-
veterinary/cvm-updates/cat-and-dog-food-manufacturers-required-consider-h5n1-food-safety-plans.

“Bird Flu.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html.

“Avian influenza A (H5N1) in cats.” American Veterinary Medical Association.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-

This page provides links to the latest H5N1 bird flu information

01/22/2025

We will be closing today at 2:30 and will have a delayed opening tomorrow (1/23). We will be open tomorrow at 9:00am.

Everyone stay safe and enjoy the snow!! ⛄️

01/22/2025

Our dedicated staff came slip sliding in this morning to ensure that we are here if you need us. If you do come to see us, please be careful as the roads certainly are not great!

01/16/2025

Yes, we do love them this much !!! ❤️❤️

01/15/2025

Behind the scenes at Cooke Vet - where passion meets care!🐾❤️‍🩹

01/10/2025

As we head into a weekend filled with snow and low temperatures, our staff wants to wish you and your pups a fun and safe time in the winter wonderland!❄️

As a friendly reminder, please keep in mind our tips for keeping your pet safe during snowy days. Short walks, paw protection, and cozy indoor spaces are key to making sure everyone stays comfortable and happy!

Have a snowy, safe, and fun filled weekend with your furry friends☃️🐾

01/08/2025

Good morning !

12/31/2024

As the end of 2024 rapidly approaches we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge what a privilege it has been to get to serve our local community for yet another year.

We value each and every one of you, and it remains our highest honor that you choose to partner with us on the health and healing journeys of your pets. We promise to never take the responsibility of that lightly. Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us.

May this next year bring blessings abundant to us all.

From all of us, to all of you…..Happy New Year!!

12/20/2024

🎄 Holiday Update 🎄

In the spirit of the season, we’re giving our amazing staff a well-deserved break to spend with their families and loved ones. The center will be closed on December 24th and 25th. We will re-open for normal hours on the 26th.

Our holiday hours list is included below.

From all of us at Cooke Vet, we extend the warmest wishes to all of you and your furry friends. May your holidays be safe, and filled with peace, love and joy!! 🐾✨

12/16/2024