Titer Tests (to avoid over-vaccinating)

Anyone here titer their dogs? Gidget, age 7, won't be getting more vaccinations until titer results come back. Fortunately, her rabies shot is good until 2012.


http://stanford.wellsphere.com/pet-...don-t-vaccinate-your-dog-unnecessarily/441957

Titer Test: Don’t Vaccinate Your Dog Unnecessarily

Enlightened veterinarians and pet parents have become increasingly wary of the health risks, and lack of benefits, associated with repeatedly vaccinating dogs after their initial “puppy shots.”

What is titer testing? A titer test (pronounced TIGHT er) is a laboratory test measuring the existence and level of antibodies in blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (like a virus or bacteria) provokes an immune response. This response can come from natural exposure or from vaccination. (Note: titering is also called serum vaccine antibody titering and serologic vaccine titering.)

Should I test for all diseases? The most recommended test examines antibodies for both parvovirus and distemper, the two most important viruses. Rabies titers are also often tested. Usually, for most dogs, tests for other diseases are generally not considered useful or necessary.