Vaccine Titers are an important part of preventative healthcare in today’s society. They help prevent over vaccinating in dogs, by determining if the dog’s body is responding to the vaccine. This is done by determining the presence of antibodies that develop in response to the vaccine. Since varying amounts of antibodies can be detected in different animals, titers are expressed in terms of ratios. There are no real contraindications to performing this test. Adequate levels of vaccine titers indicate that the dog does not need a booster vaccination at that time. Currently, it is no longer thought that vaccinations always outweigh the possible risks. With titers, we can assess each patient’s disease risk and determine which vaccines are correct and necessary. The use of these titers is a wonderful tool in making these decisions.
Vaccine Titers & Legislation in Ohio
Ohio is not a mandatory rabies vaccination state. Rabies Vaccination requirements are left to counties or cities and mandated by ordinances.
Both Cuyahoga and Franklin counties in Ohio have ordinances for Rabies Vaccinations and you must show proof of rabies vaccination to receive your county tag, however, both counties will accept a rabies titer in lieu of a vaccination certificate. Stark, Medina, Summit, Holmes and many/most other counties do not have ordinances for rabies vaccinations.
Where to get your dog Tested?
Dr. Carol Osborne offers titer testing in our office, Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic, it is a simple pain-free blood test and we get the results in a few weeks. We offer Vaccine Titers starting at six months of age for dogs and older. It is especially recommended for senior dogs, as Dr.Carol believes that over-vaccinating senior dogs when not needed are a detriment to their health.
What Does a Vaccine Titer Reveal in Dogs?
A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the dog currently has adequate protection of antibodies against a disease. Low antibodies to the vaccine will indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection.
How Is a Vaccine Titer Done in Dogs?
In order to perform a vaccine titer, your veterinarian must draw a blood sample, which is placed in a special glass tube. The blood sample is allowed to clot and is then placed in a centrifuge, where it is divided into two parts: serum and a blood clot. The serum is removed and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. The blood sample is submitted to an outside laboratory for evaluation. Test results may not be available for up to 3 to 5 days depending on the laboratory.
