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Originally Posted by Ellie May  AAHA did put out guidelines or something in 2003, I think. This isn't it though. This looks like Dr. Dodds..
For my boy I follow AAHA because he came from a rescue that checks up on vaccines given. I also do lepto without hesitation. He is 16 pounds and it is a major problem in Michigan.
For the girl I only do rabies now. She has so many issues and I just don't think we need to do anything else. Her last distemper vaccine was in 2007. Low titer now and I don't care. I think titer testing is overrated. Certainly a good thing, but somewhat misused imo.
Honestly, if a vet tried to tell me I had to vaccinate for dhpp yearly without trying to compromise (i.e. every three years instead, titers as replacement, etc.), then I couldn't stay with them. I just don't think it is right that some vets force annual vaccines and act like owner is committing a crime if it is not done. They are setting themselves up as if they know more than vet schools and AAHA. It is sad seeing people dread having vaccine talks with their vets. This should mot be stressful. |
That's what I'm wondering - if getting a titer test is really even worth it in our case or if it's a waste of money. I'm really not worried about it, but was going to do it for peace of mind mainly.
For example, Jackson had his last DHPP booster at one year old along with rabies on a different day. When it comes time for him to be "due", I'm going to express to the vet that I am choosing not to vaccine for anything else but rabies. I'm not even sure if titering is worth it. I guess I'll talk to her about it when the time comes. But from my understanding, low titers don't really necessarily mean their unprotected and a high titer doesn't totally prove immunity either?
Also, dumb question... He will be turning 4 years old this October. For some reason, all along I was thinking this year he would be "due", but now I think that it's next year when he turns 5? His rabies tag says 2010 on it, so technically that's only been two years. I think I'm getting confused because I got him in December 2008 but his puppy shots weren't completed until early 2009. So then we got his next shots a year from the date of the last ones in 2010. So yeah... I guess he's not due until 2013. So yay maybe I don't have to deal with the vaccine issue this year! lol. I'm not too worried about our vets though, they are really accommodating and understanding and easy to talk to.