Titer Testing vs Vaccinations For Dogs
Titer Testing Now Available
Regular Vaccinations has been the most significant contributing factor in the reduction of serious infectious diseases among our canine companions.
Thanks to effective vaccines we now see far less of the core diseases – Canine Hepatitis, Distemper and Parvovirus in everyday practice and deaths from these are rare.
While as vets we all agree these vaccinations are necessary – the frequency at which they are given is debatable.
Regular Vaccinations are given to maintain the animals individual immunity against serious core diseases. Once optimal immunity is established, re-vaccination is not necessary however without knowing your dog’s immunity status we have no choice but to re-vaccinate regularly to ensure protection.
Several years ago triennial vaccinations against core diseases were introduced which now sees many dogs now being vaccinated against core diseases every 3 years instead of every year.
While titer testing has been available for some time, the cost and complexity of performing these tests made it difficult for vets to recommend this option to dog owners – until now!
Vaccicheck makes Testing easy!
Recently the Vaccicheck was approved by the USDA. The Canine VacciCheck is intended to be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the antibody response to the core vaccination or infection by Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus), Canine Parvovirus and Canine Distemper Virus.
Best of all – this test can be performed “In Clinic” with results available within a day.
Enquiries about Titer testing have increased over the last few years so we know that this is a preferred option for many of our clients over regular vaccination.
We can now offer the option of Titer testing your dog’s immunity against Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus and Canine hepatitis through our practice.
The cost of the test is $73.00 in addition to a consultation fee.
If you are interested in titer testing your dog to decide whether re-vaccination is necessary, please make an appointment to discuss this option with one of our vets.