The Titer Test
and Your Dog's Vaccination Schedule
What is a Titer test? Does every dog need one? Is it painful? Find out what every dog owner should know about testing, how it can change your dog vaccination schedule and improve your dog's health.
WHAT IS A TITER TEST?
Blood is drawn and the level of antibodies against each disease is measured. Generally, the higher the number of antibodies, the more immunity your dog has to a particular disease. Here is a quote from Antech Diagnostics, one of the leading U.S. diagnostic laboratories: "In the intervening years between booster vaccinations, and in the case of geriatric pets, circulating humoral immunity against the clinically important infectious agents can be evaluated by measuring serum vaccine antibody titers as an indication of the presence of immune memory. Titers do not distinguish between immunity generated by vaccination and/or exposure to disease agents, although the magnitude of immunity produced just by vaccination is usually lower."
WHY SHOULD I ASK FOR THE TEST? IS IT EXPENSIVE?Over vaccination has become a problem. The more vaccines your dog receives, the more he is at risk for side effects, canine illnesses and degenerative disease, especially with combination vaccines. It is cheaper to pay for dog shots, but its your dogs health at stake.
DOG HEALTH - WHO'S RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?
The responsibility of your dog's health is a joint effort between you and your vet. Ask questions! If you don't understand something, ask! If your vet is evolving toward the holistic veterinary community, he or she will cheerfully agree to draw blood for this test. If he or she tells you there is no scientific proof that the test is 100% accurate, you can quote the AVMA guidelines: "Vaccination does not protect every individual patient even when they are properly vaccinated." What is the AVMA? The American Veterinary Medical Association, an organization she or he is probably a member of.
TEAMWORK
Remember you are a team that is working together for your dog's health and well being. Some vets enjoy keeping up to date and learning new strategies. For others, it takes them out of their comfort zone. They would prefer to stay with the way they have always done things. If your vet falls into the second category, it may be time to find a new vet. Also remember, as a team, it is up to you watch for signs of illness. Be observant. When your dog is sick, write down all the symptoms before you go to the vet and how long they have been going on.
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