We did not Titer Test

[diggy4]

Well after spending an hour at the Doctor yesterday...My vet and I decided not to Titer yet. He has done extensive research on vaccines and showed me his research and his conclusions. (He researches with Michigan State)

Distemper- Everything he has researched on the Distemper Vaccine he administers shows it is good for a minimum of 3 years, and lasting up to 7. So we decided no on that.

Parvo- Mainly affects Puppies and few adult dogs. He explained it like chicken pox affecting kids and very few adults. We went over reported adult dog cases in Michigan/Ohio area and again decided No on this one also.

Bordetella~ Vaccinates for Kennel Cough. The Bordetella vaccine is a preventative immunization much like we receive prior to our flu season. A treatable condition. I decided to treat Kennel Cough if my dogs contract it rather than vaccinate assuming they will be protected. So no on that one too.

Rabies~Yes she got this shot last year and is good for 3 years. We have lots of Bats in our yard, along with raccoons etc., So I do vaccinate for Rabies...we'll decide on that one if we re-vaccinate in 2 years or not.

Lepto~ This one was the main topic we discussed. Many refuse Lepto as the old vaccine was made by Fort Dodge a company my Vet dislikes very much and he frowned upon administering. Fort Dodge's vac was said to protect against 2 strains of Lepto which there are 4 strains according to MSU. Pfizer now has a vaccine for Lepto which covers all 4 strains. 5 patients with Lepto in his office in the last few years. he lost 1 of the 5. 3 of the 5 had the Lepto Vac from Fort Dodge, and the other 2 had no vaccines at all. So we decided to go ahead and Give the Lepto Vac(Pfizers). The research on the Pfizer vac says good for 1 year only. So a year from now I will Titer for this one. Luckily I had refused Lepto in the past for mine so no need to titer or question whether she was still protected.

I had told a few I would let them know the cost of Titers too. Here they are 90-125 dollars PER vaccine.

So this was my vet experiance yesterday and I thought I would share...

[Bizzymammabee]

Thank you that helps a lot.

[Yorkiedaze]

I will have the titer test done on my girls just to find out if they need vaccine. I don't want to take the chance of over medicating.

http://dogs-cats-and-more.com/Vets_Rethink_Need_for _Annual_Pet_Vaccinations.html

[Izzy Princess]

OK - Izzy's my first dog in 17 years and can you guys explain what a Titer test is?

I have heard of the others but not this one. Thanks guys you are the best and Paula I'll be usiing this info when I take Izzy in for her annual in June.

[diggy4]

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=118841

this thread explains what they are Its very interesting.

[a2luckygirl]

How old is Diddy??

Wow if you tested for all, that would be a pretty penny!!!!

[Wylie's Mom]

GREAT info, thanks Paula. What an incredible vet you have - someone willing to adapt to the new standards. All his statements are in line w/ the AAHA recommendations - that's awesome. Why lepto though? Is it prevalent in your area?

How are you surviving the Favre retirement? Wearing black?

[diggy4]

Diggy just turned a year monday
Its Bella that I took to the vet yesterday and she will be 3 in June

Yes it is very expensive. My concern is the illnesses caused by over over vaccinating and my babies over all heath and if the over vaccinating causes health issues how much that would cost. It really makes ya think ya know...Im nervous about it either way but I really love and trust my vet so that helps a lot.

[janedks3406]

thank you for letting us know I appreciate your information given!

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

GREAT info, thanks Paula. What an incredible vet you have - someone willing to adapt to the new standards. All his statements are in line w/ the AAHA recommendations - that's awesome. Why lepto though? Is it prevalent in your area?

How are you surviving the Favre retirement? Wearing black?

Funny you should ask if I am wearing Black....Yes I am. Seriously. I am devestated. I already miss him so much but thats only being selfish of me. He gave us 17 years of his life getting beat up, in the spotlight, being a hero, and leaving some HUGE footsteps that other QB's will only dream of walking in. So I understand his decision fully and respect it. Doesnt mean i like it tho One thing came of it all tho....my lil packers helmet tatoo on my ankle with the #4 on it can be completed.... 1991-2008

As for the Lepto....yes he has treated 5 cases in the last few years and that makes me nervous. He said it has been found in standing water, ponds, rivers, and lakes even. Well I am in Michigan 5 lakes surround me Im about 2 miles from Lake Erie, and my home is not even 5 blocks from a large yucky River. Canadian Geese fly over my house everyday day in day out from the river to the lake so for me I really felt more comfy vaccinating for it. Last year with only having the Fort Dodge version available I passed....This one seems to be much more reliable and safe. Plus your right i have an OUTSTANDING vet that I trust 100% he helped in my decision a lot and does not judge either way you go. I like that. He stated many times either way you go is fine with me Nice to know he is hearing what I am saying and my thoughts matter. He also said he appreciates the concern and research and wishes all pet owners showed such concern He makes ya feel like your NOT just another pet owner.

[Yorkiedaze]

Originally Posted by Izzy Princess

OK - Izzy's my first dog in 17 years and can you guys explain what a Titer test is?

I have heard of the others but not this one. Thanks guys you are the best and Paula I'll be usiing this info when I take Izzy in for her annual in June.

Did you look at my post that was right above yours?

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

Did you look at my post that was right above yours?

when you click the url it doesnt work i think the last part was cut off.. but if you copy and paste it, it works.

[Izzy Princess]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

Did you look at my post that was right above yours?

Thanks Yorkiedaze and everyone - now I know - and I'm taking all this info with me to the our vet in June that's for sure.

[chattiesmom]

Paula thanks for being a trend setter and sharing your titer info. I am going to discuss this with my vet the next time I'm in.

[Ellie May]

$90 per disease is waaaaaay too much. WOW. No wonder the receptionist told you not to.