Vaccinations

[Beach]

Just an interesting experience. I gave my dogs the titer test for Parvo and distemper for the first time last week to see if they need to be vaccinated this year. I read so much about how bad it may be for them. Here is the interesting part. A ratio of 1:36 or higher for distemper indicates probable protective immunity. My Boxer had a ratio of 1:2048 - yes that is correct. My Shepherd Mix had 1:128. Then the ratio for Parvo should be over 1:64. Again my Boxer has 1:2048 and my Mix 1:1024. That means I will not give them any shots this year and I am happy about it.

[kendalyn]

wow, that's really interesting. How do you test for that?

[Beach]

As far as I know.........the vaccination makes the body build up antibodies for let's say Parvo and distemper. When the antibodies wear off you need to vaccinate again. The titer test checks how many antibodies are still in your dogs blood and the ratio tells you if it is still enough to keep him healthy. Obviously my Boxer is way above the needed ratio which tells me that she may not need another vaccination for a couple of years. The vet wants to see my Mix in 6 months for the distemper though.

[kendalyn]

Thanks! But I meant did you have to go to the vet for the test? Sounds like you did

[TDG]

yes, the blood sample is taken by the vet. there's a 15-minute quick test (titerchek) and one that needs to be sent off to a lab and takes about 10 days until you get results (depending on who you ask, it's often debated that this one is more accurate).

here is a very informative article on the topic.

[Beach]

I had it done at my vet's office and it did take 10 days. They have two doctors. One thought it was and is a great idea and she is glad that I went for it. The other one said he does not believe in it. My dogs are old and my Boxer just became senile. I do not want extra stress on their system.

[KP]

Here are a couple good discussions we had about titers

http://dogden.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=Health&action=display&num=1076178542

http://dogden.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=Health&action=display&num=1074909273

If you don't know anything about vaccinosis...I highly suggest reading up on it. Most people think vaccinations are pretty safe :-?

Here is a great site where you can learn a LOT about it
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TruthAboutVaccines/

[Beach]

Thanks for the links. I realy do believe that vaccinations are not needed every year. Here in Texas they changed rabbies to every three years (one year ago). Up North it has been 3 years since a long time. WHY? It is the exact same shot. One other interesting thing for me was......I went to the same vet for 4 years and only had to give my dogs the parvo vaccination once a year. I moved and all often sudden I got a notice for a parvo booster every 6 months. I ignored the reminder.

[kendalyn]

Up North it has been 3 years since a long time. WHY? It is the exact same shot.

IT IS!?!? Why did I have to pay more for the 3 year shot? Does anyone else pay more for the 3 year shot?

[science_doc]

I am so glad people are checking their dog's titers before just getting yearly vaccinations :lol: I think that this information could be collected and used to demonstrate that we have been over-vaccinating pets. I do believe in the safety and usefullness of vaccination, but we certainly know from people that the majority of vaccinations can take place about every 5-10 years depending on the antigen (the protein in the vaccination that causes the immune system to respond).

[Beach]

I paid the same for the 3 year rabies shot than for the one year shot. I also asked my vet and he said that it is exactly the same. I believe that doctors want to make money like everybody else. Now the shots will be done every three years so they may up the price. Hey, I pay three times as much for medication at a specialist right now than the same medication cost me two months ago at the regular vet. Is that fair? No, but they can do it because I need to take him there right now.