These are only useful for certain vaccines, most notably Canine Distemper Virus and Canine Parvo Virus. Rabies titers are typ- ically not accepted in lieu of vaccination due to local laws and regulations that determine the rabies immunization require- ments. This is a legal issue and not in your veterinarian’s con- trol. Leptospirosis titers do not properly reflect the level of pro- tection present and so they are not useful. Titers can be helpful in several situations including 1) following the puppy immu- nization series to determine if the puppy has adequate immu- nity, 2) in adult dogs to determine if their immunity is high enough to forego that particular triennial booster, 3) in strays to determine if they have protective immunity or not, 4) in shel- ters to help guide intakes and minimize population risks. In dogs that have had serious vaccine reactions to Canine
Distemper-Parvo vaccines in the past, it is perfectly reasonable to test rather than vaccinate triennially. One caveat is that there is also a recommendation to change to annual testing at 10 years of age due to the risk of decreasing immune competence with age (immunosenescence). Even if the dog has not had a vaccine reaction, three year titer testing in lieu of vaccination is a perfectly reasonable option. There’s only one downside and that is it typically costs more to test titers than to vaccinate, so many owners do elect to simply give the immunizations. On a three year rotating schedule, this is a reasonable option. However, most of the experts in canine immunology and vac- cine technology would not recommend these immunizations be given annually as it seems clear now that it is not necessary or beneficial. In this writer’s opinion, the ideal immunization schedule
has the Canine Distemper-Parvo three year booster staggered so it does not occur in the same year as the three year Rabies immunization. This is based on the evidence that shows adverse vaccine reactions are more common when more vaccines are administered during the same visit, so one goal is to reduce the number of vaccines at any one visit. Since the majority of Florida dogs have significant risk of exposure to Leptospirosis that is an annual vaccination needed by most of our local dogs, at least until we find a way to extend the duration of immuni- ty with those vaccines. The Bordetella immunization is typical- ly not a concern as the intranasal and oral products cannot cause the adverse reactions seen with the injectable vaccines and so it may be administered along with any of the other immunizations. Interestingly, our dogs are out and about more than ever
before—daycare, grooming, agility, obedience training, social- ization classes, dog parks, dog events and even pet stores—so their need for protection is probably greater now than in years past. But, as our knowledge increases and technology allows accurate titers for some of these significant diseases, we now have options to reduce the risks potentially associated with immunizations, while providing better protection for our canine friends than ever.
U Y
Dr. Elizabeth Baird is the owner and senior veterinarian of Country Oaks Animal Hospital & Kennel and Steele Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center in Palm Harbor. 727.785.6524
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