Routine Vaccinations and Exams

Together with you, our staff of dedicated doctors and animal care nurses will provide for your pet the best health care available as we head into the 21st century. We strongly believe in preventive medicine for your pets.

Routine examinations and vaccinations are an integral part of the health care maintenance of your pet. The field of veterinary medicine is rapidly changing and growing and this means the opportunities for prevention of diseases is always expanding. Complete physical examinations, at least yearly (we recommend twice yearly) are an important way to learn of these new opportunities and assure that your pet is in top form. There are many subtle changes that can be detected upon physical examination that you as an owner may not have even noticed but indicate a problem or potential problem. If a problem exists, the sooner it is recognized and addressed the better off your pet will be. Many diseases can be slowed, managed or eliminated when detected early enough.

There are many vaccines available for your pet. It can be a little overwhelming when first realizing how many there are! We feel it is our responsibility as animal health care providers to make these vaccination services available. However, we also want to help you decide which vaccines are right for your pet and your pet's lifestyle.

Below is a brief description of the diseases for which we vaccinate:

For Dogs

Distemper

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease which is found wherever there are dogs. It affects the respiratory and nervous systems causing such symptoms as fever, lethargy, coughing, seizures and eventually death.

Hepatitis

This virus affects the liver and even the kidneys and can be fatal.

Parvovirus

A highly contagious, often fatal viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea occur which leads to dehydration and many times death, even with supportive treatment.

Parainfluenza

One of the components of the kennel cough disease complex, this virus causes a dry hacking cough and is highly contagious.

Coronavirus

Similar to parvovirus in that this virus affects the gastrointestinal system. This disease is usually not as severe as parvovirus but in certain situations may be very serious.

Lyme Disease

This disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgodorferi and is transmitted by tick bites. It can affect dogs, cats, humans, horses and cattle. It can cause lameness, joint and muscle pain, fever and depression.

For Cats

Panleukopenia

This viral disease, also called feline distemper, is highly contagious and causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. It is one of the most common viral diseases in cats and is often times fatal especially in kittens.

Rhinotracheitis

A viral disease affecting the upper respiratory system causing sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and can be sever in young kittens. Many cats become chronic carriers of this virus, becoming a source of infection to other cats. They can also have reoccurring bouts of illness.

Calcivirus

A similar virus to rhinotracheitis and part of the upper respiratory complex. It can also cause mouth and tongue ulcers.

Chlamydia

An organism responsible for some upper respiratory diseases in cats.

Feline Leukemia

This virus causes immunodeficiency disease in cats which is fatal. The virus leads to immunosuppression, secondary diseases and even cancers and tumors. Many cats die from secondary illnesses because their immune system can no longer mount a resistance. Cats with feline leukemia can live for a period of time and not show signs of illness, but they are a source of infection for this fatal disease to other cats.

For Dogs and Cats

Rabies

All mammals including humans are susceptible to rabies. More than half of human exposure to rabies involves family pets. This disease is fatal to all animals and to humans and there is no treatment available for your pet. Vaccination against this fatal disease not only protects our pets and other animals but our loved ones as well.

The doctors at Agoura Hills Animal Hospital select the best vaccinations available. These vaccines are designed to provide maximum immunity with the best potential for vaccine reaction.

We also offer a low-cost vaccine clinic every Wednesday evening.