Dr. Robert E. Woods, DVM, CVA
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Vaccine Titers:
Vaccine titers are performed in order to determine
if the immune system can provide an adequate
response to fight a virus if challenged. Once a
vaccine is administered, the virus in the vaccine
stimulates the production of antibodies. These
antibodies are like puzzle pieces, and are put into
the circulatory system. They are circulating around
at all times. If a virus that has a similar anitgen to
the antibody enters the circulation, it forms a
complex, which alarms the immune system,
allowing for the body to attack and hopefully rid
the body of the virus.
A blood titer test measures the amount of these
antibodies to a particular virus in the circulation. A
certain number of these antibodies are necessary
to provide protection. Thus, a positive titer means
the body should have enough antibodies to fight
off infection. If there are not enough antibodies or
a negative titer, the immune system is at a
disadvantage if challenged by the virus.
Currently there are titers available for dogs for
Distemper Virus, Parvo Virus, and the Rabies
Virus. Titer levels for Distemper and Parvo should
be done on an annual basis.
Although a Rabies titer can be performed and may
be considered protective, current California law
requires a Rabies vaccine every 3 years after the
first innoculation. This is required even with a
protective rabies titer.
Vaccine titers are performed in order to determine
if the immune system can provide an adequate
response to fight a virus if challenged. Once a
vaccine is administered, the virus in the vaccine
stimulates the production of antibodies. These
antibodies are like puzzle pieces, and are put into
the circulatory system. They are circulating around
at all times. If a virus that has a similar anitgen to
the antibody enters the circulation, it forms a
complex, which alarms the immune system,
allowing for the body to attack and hopefully rid
the body of the virus.
A blood titer test measures the amount of these
antibodies to a particular virus in the circulation. A
certain number of these antibodies are necessary
to provide protection. Thus, a positive titer means
the body should have enough antibodies to fight
off infection. If there are not enough antibodies or
a negative titer, the immune system is at a
disadvantage if challenged by the virus.
Currently there are titers available for dogs for
Distemper Virus, Parvo Virus, and the Rabies
Virus. Titer levels for Distemper and Parvo should
be done on an annual basis.
Although a Rabies titer can be performed and may
be considered protective, current California law
requires a Rabies vaccine every 3 years after the
first innoculation. This is required even with a
protective rabies titer.
Vaccine Titers:
