Vaccine Titer Testing for Your Pet

Vaccine Titer Testing for Your Pet

In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate on whether or not yearly vaccination is necessary in all dogs and cats. Many studies on this subject have shown that some vaccines such as the Canine (DHPP) and Feline Distemper Vaccine (FVRCP) are good for at least 3-5 years after the initial puppy or kitten series and one-year booster have been administered. Another option that is available if you feel uncertain about giving regular vaccines is vaccine titer testing. This alternative to yearly vaccination has been controversial amongst veterinarians but is gaining popularity in veterinary medicine. Here are some of the facts regarding vaccine titers.

What is titer testing?
Titer testing is a blood testthat measures the level of antibodies in your pet's blood. Antibodies are produced when a foreign substance such as viruses or bacteria initiates an immune response. Antibodies can be produced from natural exposure or from vaccinations. Titer testing requires a blood sample that is analyzed by your veterinarian or an outside laboratory.

What viruses/bacteria can be tested for?
The most common viruses that are tested for are the Canine Distemper /Parvo Virus and Feline Calici/Rhinotracheitis Virus. These are the most commonly used virus vaccinations. There is also a titer test available for the Rabies virus. This test is often required for international travel.

What does it mean if my pet's titer is adequate?
If the antibody level comes back adequate, many veterinarians will count this in lieu of routine vaccination.
Does my pet need a booster if the vaccine titer is weak?
This is a matter of opinion. However, most veterinarians will vaccinate if the titer is weak.

How often does vaccine titering need to be performed?
There is no uniform answer to this question. Many veterinarians believe titer testing can be performed every 3-5 years while others feel it should be repeated every year. You should speak with your veterinarian regarding his/her opinion on the frequency of titer testing.

Is titer testing 100% accurate?
No. Neither is a vaccination though.
Will everyone accept vaccine titers in lieu of vaccination?
No. Some groomers and kennels do not believe that titers are equivalent to regular vaccination and will require vaccination even if a titer test has come back adequate.

Rabies is a public health issue and is required by law. Animal control and most counties/cities/states will not accept a Rabies titer as proof of vaccination. Each county/city/state has their own policy on this subject so you should speak with your veterinarian or county animal control regarding the regulations for your specific municipality.

Are vaccine titers more expensive than vaccinating?
The individual blood test is typically more expensive than the vaccine itself. If the titer is adequate and your veterinarian agrees, vaccines may need to be given much less frequently in the long-term which can save money over your dog or cat's lifetime.

Immunity is a complicated subject and veterinarians continue to struggle with the idea of whether vaccine titers are a good alternative to more frequent vaccination. Extensive research has been done to prove that over-vaccination can cause a weakened immune system as well as an increased risk of allergic reactions and side effects. Some pets that have had a severe reaction from vaccination in the past may be spared unnecessary vaccinations because of vaccine titer testing. The decision to titer instead of vaccinating is a personal decision that should be made between pet owner and veterinarian but is an option to consider when deciding what is best for your pet's preventative health.

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on October 30, 2010 at 9:41am

I strongly believe that we do vaccine our pets way too often and that in this area less is more. The titer test is very interesting and I would go for it before giving my pets some vaccine they don't really need. Thanks for the info!

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on October 30, 2010 at 10:10am

J, I have done titers annually for the past three years. The levels have been at high levels all three years. WHY would vets still be pushing yearly vaccs? Money! Our dogs are getting way too much crap in their systems for years. That's why we are seeing more canine cancers, allergies, and other diseases not seen years ago. From vaccs to flea and tick poison, we need to stop over poisoning our dogs!

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on October 30, 2010 at 1:18pm

Agree 200%! I finally found a vet who do not believe in vaccine at all. Only for rabies and something else they can get during the fall she said. I don't remember what it is exactly but I decide to pass that one too. My girls are in very good health so are the cats so no vaccine for them. They do not go to the groomers and I have a doggy sitter for them when we do go away so no need for crap in their system.

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Rescue PartnerPermalink Reply by Toy Poodle Rescue on October 30, 2010 at 10:36pm

This is not accurate? Titer testing is being accepted a lot more now. I have two therapy dogs certified through Therapy Dog International (TDI) where we have to be insured in order to be allowed into facilities with our dogs, all my dogs are titer tested and accepted by TDI and the insurance. DHPP or DHLPP is not required by law and therefore groomers cannot demand them, they cannot even demand bordatella but can request it. Immune compromised pets, many towns will now accept a titer test when written permission is given by the vet.
Vaccines in dogs are no different than people. When you were a child you were vaccinated for diptheria, polio, rubella etc. and how many times have you been vaccinated since?.......I rest my case.
Sue.
Toy Poodle Rescue
www.toypoodlerescue.net

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on October 30, 2010 at 10:43pm

.You're right, titers are accepted much more now but many people still don't know about them and many vets are still following old protocols unless you ask. I started titering 3 years ago and had to switch vets for it to be my way. I agree about the comparison between dogs and people and vaccines and think that the annual protocol is a main culprit in the higher incidents in canine diseases, that we are now seeing. If a groomer requires it, I would switch groomers.

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Rescue PartnerPermalink Reply by Toy Poodle Rescue on October 30, 2010 at 11:14pm

Last year I attended the IHPE conference, Integrative health pet expo http://www.ihpe.info/index.php/schedule.html
It was amazing I attended lectures for two days by all the well know vets. I learnt so much, I was like a sponge and did not want to leave. LOL I was the crazy stalker walking behind them after lectures trying to get in one more question.
One of the things that Jean Dodd said when a question was asked about titering a 10 year old dog, she said why would you bother titering him, because the reality is would you vaccinate him at 10 years old even if he needed it and suddenly a light bulb went on and I understood. Titers are not about how much they show protection but at a certain age should we be vaccinating at all no matter what the titer shows, because at 10 years old the protection now has to be for the well being of the health of the dog that could be compromised by vaccinating him. I also have to say this is not what I am allowed to do for my rescue dogs, but only for my own personal dogs.
If we want veterinarians to be exposed to a more open approach you have to change the mindset of the professors who teach at the veterinary hospitals and colleges to include integrated medicine as a course requirement. Then also have a nutrition course that is not sponsored and taught by Science Diet!!!!!

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Jeannine, Gamine & Thalie on October 31, 2010 at 10:13am

I can't agree more with you Sue! We have a sixteen almost seventeen years old MaineCoon and our vet refuse, thank to her, to give him any vaccine including the rabies.
She told us that at that age no vaccine can get them better. Most if not all vaccines can destroy your pets' health after a certain age. We also have another cat who is 9 years old and him too if free of vaccine not that they had received a lot, only when they were kitten.
Our vet do not believe in vaccine, she one of the very rare one, and encourage us to home feed our pets. She also come to our home for visit!!Vets push vaccine and bad foods only for money and that disturb me a lot.