Vaccine Titer Testing

Posted on 10 September 2013
By Dr. Jill Tack
Posted in Are vaccinations bad for my pet, Should I vaccinate my dog or cat, vaccinations, What are safe alternatives to vaccinating, What is in vaccinations
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Last month I gave a seminar called Vaccinations Decoded and one of the folks in the audience wanted to know more about vaccine titers.

We have been told by the vet industry that vaccines are an important part of preventative health care. Sadly, we are often even shamed by our vets to vaccinate. Sometimes, it is even required by our government to allow our pets to live in a certain area or to be registered. Vaccinating has become a hot topic. To vaccinate or not. There is a lot of information out there about the ingredients in vaccines and many of them cause allergies and adverse side effects. If the vaccine is supposed to help our animal companions to be healthier, why is it making them sick? Did you know you don't have to vaccinate you animal every year. There are options. One of them is titer testing.

What is a titer test?

A vaccine titer is a blood test that determines 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. Any veterinarian can perform it. Adequate levels of vaccine titers indicate that the pet does not need a booster vaccination at that time. And often times doesn't need to be retested again for another three years.

What does a vaccine titer reveal?

A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection. Low titers can also mean that your animal has not been exposed to the disease and their antibodies have not needed to fight.

How Is a vaccine titer done?

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 clot is discarded. Most often, the blood sample is submitted to an outside laboratory for evaluation. Test results may not be available for up to 2 weeks depending on the type of titer being done.

Is a vaccine titer painful?

Any pain involved is associated with the collection of the blood sample, since a needle is used to pierce the skin and enter a blood vessel to draw the sample. As with people, the pain experienced from a needle will vary from individual to individual. And would be no different than actually getting the vaccination.

Is sedation or anesthesia needed for a vaccine titer?

Neither sedation nor anesthesia is needed in most patients; however, some pets resent needle sticks and may need tranquilization or ultrashort anesthesia.

How much does titer testing cost?

The cost varies but can range from $75 for

Canine parvovirus
Canine distemper virus
Leptospirosis
Infectious canine hepatitis.

to $150 for rabies.

How effective is the titer test?

This is where the controversy starts. The body has cell memory so if it has been exposed to the disease the antibodies will kick in but if the animal has not there will be a low number of anti-bodies present. So, the tests could come back low but still be in waiting for exposure to protect them.

What to do if you have to get vaccinations

If you have to get vaccinations, ask for the vial that the vaccinations came from and or the syringe. Most vets will let you take them home if you ask. I can make a custom or generic antidote (aka isopath) to help flush the liver and body to reduce side effects, miasms and help with long term health. Just contact the store at (248) 548-3448 and let me know.