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Permalink Reply by Quincy ^,,^ & Michelle : ) on April 20, 2010 at 5:44pm

Hi,
My Vet also believes in the titer test. At Quincy's yearly check up they draw blood for heart worm so they drawn a bit more to check the titer. Unfortunately the blood work was more than the actual cost of the vaccination, but I would rather pay the extra money and not have him over vaccinated. I will see if I can find the bill for his last check up to give you exact dollar amounts if you want. Let me know.
Michelle

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on April 20, 2010 at 7:33pm

Wow. I'd find a different vet.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on April 20, 2010 at 8:34pm

Is it legal to NOT get a rabies vaccine?

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on April 21, 2010 at 11:36am

In most places you can apply for an exemption with a titer test showing a high enough immunity. Most cities generally still won't grant it though unless your dog has a medical reason to not receive it (rabies vaccines have a high reaction rate, so this is a valid concern). As the Rabies Challenge Fund research study continues, I think we will see states pushing the number of years for re-vaccination back further and further.

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on April 20, 2010 at 9:09pm

Titer tests are expensive and, from what I understand, not always an accurate indication of actual immunity. I do not vaccinate Parvo or Distemper (or anything else) past one year old, and I don't titer either unless I have a need such as training classes. Most studies show a life long immunity. If you are really worried most vets will put you on a 3 year vaccine schedule. Rabies I do because I don't have a choice, but I won't do it more than once every three years (all states will allow this now, just ask you vet for the "3 yr" vaccine).

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Permalink Reply by Kaydee Toffoli on April 20, 2010 at 9:44pm

what is a titer test?

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Permalink Reply by Kyle, Megan and Loki on April 20, 2010 at 10:29pm

A titer test is a test of immunity levels in the bloodstream, not foolproof as even if there is a good memory of it , it may not be present if exposure was long enough ago.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on April 21, 2010 at 10:11pm

I was bitten on Sunday (3 days ago) by an untitered puppy. We check for parvo/distemper, and give rabies vaccines when they're old enough. He wasn't. He's now in 10 day bite quarantine. I know this is a different situation than you're talking about, but, just for the sake of discussion, put yourself in my place.

If you were in my position, would you be comfortable with a dog that had not been vaccinated? If it was your dog that bit someone, would you feel secure knowing your dog had a titer, not a vaccine?

Julia

Hmmm, now that I'm thinking about it, he was just found tied to a fire hydrant. I don't know much about him. I think I'm going to check his file tomorrow. Ignorance was bliss :)

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Permalink Reply by Quincy ^,,^ & Michelle : ) on April 21, 2010 at 10:52pm

No one is saying they are NOT vaccinating their dog/puppy. The titer comes from anti-bodies built up from the dog getting the vaccine. The issue/question is: Are we as a society over vaccinating our pets? Think of it this way... Do people vaccinate their kids every year indefinitely?? No, children are vaccinated with one or a series of shots to build up antibodies to fight against that particular disease. Another example... health care workers get vaccinated against Hep B in a series of 3 shots to build up antibodies. You then have blood drawn to check for a titer level to make sure your body built up the appropriate amount of antibodies. Should the titer level fall below the acceptable level, a booster shot will be needed at some point, but we are talking years down the road. I think the initial discussion was to ask if having your dog vaccinated every year is actually necessary or is it over kill...

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