The purpose of vaccinating dogs is to provide solid immunity against disease. Titers are one way of evaluating the level of protection achieved. Some veterinarians suggest that checking titers annually might alter vaccine protocols.
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What is a Vaccine Titer?
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A vaccine titer is a blood test. A vaccine titer is a blood test that measures the numbers of disease-specific antibodies in a dog's system. Titer tests don't differentiate between immunity from vaccine and immunity from exposure to the disease.
What Does It Mean?
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A positive titer suggests good immunity. A high ratio indicates the presence of antibodies in the dog's system and suggests that the dog has immunity against that particular disease.
Purpose of Vaccine Titer Tests
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Titer tests may be used to decide vaccine protocols. Results of vaccine titer tests may be used to determine how frequently vaccines are given to a dog. Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM says that over 97 percent of vaccinated dogs still have immunity for years after vaccination. She suggests that annual vaccination for some diseases isn't necessary.
Considerations
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Titer tests aren't available for all canine vaccines. There is controversy about vaccinating based on titers. Titers don't measure all the components of immunity, particularly cellular-level immunity.They are only available for distemper and parvo virus vaccines at this time. Results can vary greatly from lab to lab and testing may be cost prohibitive for most owners.
AAHA Recommendations
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AAHA recommendations vary with the vaccine being used. The American Animal Hospital recommends vaccinating dogs for distemper and parvo virus no more often than every 3 years, rabies according to law, and bacterial infections like kennel cough annually, regardless of titer status.
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