Do You Trust Titers Tests?

[Doodlebug]

We recently found a new vet who did titers testing for Distemper on Daisy and Teddy Bear. The test came back showing that Daisy didn't need a new shot and would be ok for another year. So we didn't get the distemper shot for Daisy.

Our old vet called to tell us they were overdue for their shots. We told them that we had a new vet and we told them the dates of their shots. I explained that Daisy's titers showed that she did not need a distemper shot this year. They told me that Daisy was not protected against distemper and that I had better keep her away from all other dogs. She told me that they do not recommend titers testing AND when I told her I didn't want to over-vaccinate my dogs, she told me there is no such thing as over vaccinating.

Now I don't know what to do. Teddy Bear's titer test showed that he was LOW on the distemper vaccine in his body so he DID get the shot. They both got the distemper shots at the first vet so I am confused as to why one would be low and the other 'high'. (not sure I am using the correct terminology here)

Now I am worried about Daisy and trying to keep her away from other dogs just in case. But I hate worrying about her like this. What do you think I should do.

[Yorkiedaze]

Two of my girls are over 6 years old and have never had anything but Rabies shot since they got their initial puppy shots. I do not, and neither does my vet. believe in annual shots. I can't believe your other Vet. saying "there is no such thing as over vaccinating".
Here is some information for you.

Pet vaccination warning. Severe adverse reaction to immunization

TITER TEST

[Ellie May]

I'm reasonably confident that my pup is protected with a high titer. With a low titer and a good vaccination history, I still would that there is protection, but it makes me nervous (still should be cellular immunity though).

The same low distemper thing happened to Ellie. The first year we boosted it. The next year it was down again and I decided against boosting it. That is not something I would recommend doing because there is always a chance it's low for good reason. I just do what I think it right for my dog. Ellie's vet's opinion is a major deciding factor in what I do. You really have to find one you trust so tthat they can help you decide.

When in doubt I recommend puppy shots, one year booster and then every three years for DHPP. AAHA totally supports this protocol. It is safe and fair (probably still over-vaccinating this way, but it's still a very respected protocol that is a compromise).

We stopped doing titers awhile back and won't be going back anytime soon.

BTW, there is no reason to give DHPP yearly. If a vet is absolutely insistent on it or wants you to believe that you are putting your pup in danger by doing it less often, then I'd move on.

While I take an approach between AAHA and minimalist, I don't recommend minimalist to others because I'm not comfortable doing so yet. I am much more comfortable recommending AAHA. A good portion of vets use this schedule.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm reasonably confident that my pup is protected with a high titer. With a low titer and a good vaccination history, I still would that there is protection, but it makes me nervous (still should be cellular immunity though).

The same low distemper thing happened to Ellie. The first year we boosted it. The next year it was down again and I decided against boosting it. That is not something I would recommend doing because there is always a chance it's low for good reason. I just do what I think it right for my dog. Ellie's vet's opinion is a major deciding factor in what I do. You really have to find one you trust so tthat they can help you decide.

When in doubt I recommend puppy shots, one year booster and then every three years for DHPP. AAHA totally supports this protocol. It is safe and fair (probably still over-vaccinating this way, but it's still a very respected protocol that is a compromise).

We stopped doing titers awhile back and won't be going back anytime soon.

BTW, there is no reason to give DHPP yearly. If a vet is absolutely insistent on it or wants you to believe that you are putting your pup in danger by doing it less often, then I'd move on.

While I take an approach between AAHA and minimalist, I don't recommend minimalist to others because I'm not comfortable doing so yet. I am much more comfortable recommending AAHA. A good portion of vets use this schedule.

The only thing I want to add is that there are not as many reactions as people would lead you to believe....BUT, if your pup has a bad reaction that will not matter.

It scares me that some people are reading sites on the internet that are not backed by valid research data. One day we are going to have someone log in on YT and tell us their pup died of distemper because they believed the vaccine was dangerous and would kill their pup. Sadly people don't totally understand because they get alarmed at all of the things written; and instead of following the correct protocol, they go overboard and do less than acceptable.

My vet does give DHPP every three years and I agree with that protocol although I will say that I had two pups who had shots every single year for many years with no issues. I don't do it now because that was too much as they now know. I also do not believe they need them after a certain age...that is my own personal call and I do not recommend it to others.

[teacup0819]

I am so glad to see this posted. Trixie is almost due for her one year vet visit and I was wondering about how to handle her booster shot. I will speak to my vet about the three year plan and see what she thinks. I do not wish to over-vaccinate so we may have to do titers this time around. Thanks for the information.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by teacup0819

I am so glad to see this posted. Trixie is almost due for her one year vet visit and I was wondering about how to handle her booster shot. I will speak to my vet about the three year plan and see what she thinks. I do not wish to over-vaccinate so we may have to do titers this time around. Thanks for the information.

If you give them every three years there really is no reason to do titers! Here are the AAHA recommendations....If your vet is AAHA accredited he should be aware:

http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocumen...s06Revised.pdf

[teacup0819]

Thanks ladyjane....seems from a quick glance that Trixie will need her year one booster and then every three from then on. I will show this to my vet. Thanks for the info.

[Ellie May]

JMO - one year boosters should never be skipped and replaced with a titer test. Maybe that's just me though.

It makes me nervous to see so much confusion online, but at the same time things are being skipped because vets aren't trusted. I'd much rather overvaccinate than undervaccinate! I'm not for yearly MLV vaccines at all and the topic does get frustrating, but if you aren't very sure that it is okay to skip XYZ vaccine at XYZ time, please let a vet decide. It is almost never wrong to fall back on the AAHA protocol.

I am sure there will be owners on here soon who were scared to vaccinate (particularly as pups and maybe one year boosters) and the dog gets the disease.

[teacup0819]

I agree with you totally Ellie May...I wasn't aware that the one-year boosters were mandatory (for lack of a better word).

I had heard about doing titer tests, but wasn't sure for which boosters....that's why I was interested in this thread. Now I know it is not for year one boosters, although I am very sure my vet would have let me know that. She is very patient when I come in with information, but always gives her honest, professional opinion sometimes in a very direct way

I am sure my vet agrees with the AAHA recommendations...I trust her and follow her advice.

I would never not vaccinate based on internet reading...too much out there for a non-medical person like myself.

Anyone in doubt (especially without a degree in veterinary medicine) should listen to the advice of their vet.

I appreciate your thoughts.

[ArmaniMan]

I do puppy shots, one year boosters, and then titer (except for Rabies which we do every three years based on law). I did my own research and then discussed it with my vet and this is the decision we came to.

[Doodlebug]

Thank you for your replies and for posting the links. We are now getting them 3 yr shots when they are available and getting them spaced apart. Our old vet recommended getting shots yearly in a special 'package' that they offered. That is why we left them and went with the new vet. Only thing, I checked the AAHA listing and our old vet IS listed and our new vet isn't.