does anyone here use Titers?

[luvmynwfy]

Hi

I took my 4 year old female, Timber, for her annual checkup last night and was "suppose to" get her Rabies vaccination. She had the 3-year version so she is apparently due for another shot. However, once we got there I changed my mind and went for the Titer test instead. It will be interesting to find out the results in a week or so, I'll be sure to post them. I don't mind giving her the shot if she really needs it. I was wondering if anyone else has used Titer tests before and how did their Newf make out?

Wish us luck!

Marina

 

[Jeannie]

Yes I titer after the age of 2. I do because it is easier on their systems and much healthier for the dogs. I have never had a titer come back where I had to get the vaccination. Of course it is more expensive than just giving the shots. But worth every penny in my opinion

 

[amyk]

I titered Eloise also for her regular vaccines. I don't think we can do it for the rabies here, I guess we could theoretically, but since it's the law in NJ, I think it's a gray area about the titers, I'm not sure the state will accept it as an approved vaccine. I feel like it's safer to just get the rabies.

 

[Angela]

I would love to titer Rabies, especially for SophieLab and her reaction to vaccines in the past. However, a titer is NOT recognised when travelling between the U.S. and Canada

 

[Newfs Forever]

I have titered for years. And in my experience, once the dog has antibodies for something, they seem to maintain it throughout their lives. Although, I do titer every year, the titers always comeback the same. I have never had to revacc.

I can't titer for rabies in NH. NH will not allow an exemption for anything, even letters from vets, etc. Fortunately, we have 3 year rabies, not annual.

 

[pawsx12]

Out of the 13 years of having Newfs, I have titered the last 10years. When Oji's littermates had reactions when they were about 2, I decided then not to re vac unless necessary. From then on all my dogs have been titered after they had their first course of shots. I have never had to vac again after the initial immunities were built. Believe me titering was NOT the acceptible route 10 years ago and I had to have MANY serious discussions with my vets before they all finally accepted my wishes.

 

[luvmynwfy]

Hi Everyone,

Still waiting for the results to come back but those are some interesting comments you've all made. How my Vet explained it all to me (for Ontario, Can. only I guess) is that so long as the titer comes back showing the antibodies are still there in full force I wont have to give the rabies vaccination - so the titer can replace the rabies shot (this is my understanding?). I didn't know you couldn't use a titer test to go to the US (too bad as we were discussing taking our next family vacation somewhere on the East Coast next Spring) but apparently if I go to England a titer test is mandatory - how about that?

I feel confident that it will come back showing what it is suppose to show but will post when we know for sure.

thanks for all the input!

Marina

 

[Sherrie]

After Blossoms reaction to the rattlesnake vaccine we are titering for all vaccinations.
Has anyone done titers for Kennel cough? I know it does not last very long.
Thanks for the Canadian information on titers. We are wanting to show in Canada next year so we will need to think about vaccines. Blossom may have to stay in the states.
Sherrie

 

[Leslie]

I did have to boost distemper once in Stoli but that's it. We can not titer for rabies here.

I don't titer for kennel cough because I would never vaccinate for it. Too many strains to cover with a single vaccination. Why bother?

 

[Angela]

Yes, if you go to England a titre is mandatory, but it has to be done a certain time after the rabies vaccination, along with many other tests etc. It's not easy to take a dog there, takes many months to get everything done beforehand.

For SophieLab I had her rabies done by an holistic vet here who then gave her holistic stuff to cover any reaction she had.
Rabies vaccine is not mandatory here in BC but because we travel to dog shows in the States everyone has to get vaccinated every 3 yrs.

 

[Blacknewfs]

Marina,

we also do titres for all vaccines after their 1 year booster...except for rabies...we administer that every 3 years. I thought we had to in Ontario unless your dog has a medical reason for not having the vaccine? I'm going to clarify this with my vet next week when we take Marin in for her follow-up thyroid test. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Sherrie]

Is the rabies vaccine required to cross over into Canada? What about shows in Canada, do they want the Rabies vaccine current. We can get a exemption from the vet if they will accept it. Blossom can never be vaccinated again for fear of recurring AIHA.
Our dogs both picked up Kennel cough from a show in Colorado last year. It was self limiting and not much of a problem but they are contagious to others while they have it. Blossom can't have it but I haven't made my mind up on Elle.
Sherrie

 

[Angela]

Yes, the Rabies vaccine is required to come into Canada. Often times the customs don't ask for the certificate, but you never know when they are going to.
I have never been asked for the certificate crossing into the U.S.!!! even with 5 dogs and saying I'm going to dog shows.

 

[Angela]

Dog shows here don't ask for proof of vaccination.

[ 11-17-2006, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: Angela ]

 

[Sherrie]

Thanks for the info.
Sherrie

 

[luvmynwfy]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update with Timber's Titer test. It came back great so no rabies vaccination this year. My Vet did say if I had wanted to export her or take her into the US then I would need to get a rabies shot but since I have no intention of shipping her out or visiting the US, we're good in Canada.

We'll see how it goes next year and every year after that. I wonder how long it will last?

thanks for all your input

Marina

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

When I've asked my vet about doing titres, he looks at me like I've just landed from Mars! What, specifically should I ask for? Are there names for the various tests? (I'm sure I'm not the only one who hasn't figured this out yet).

 

[Newfs Forever]

I have titered for parvo and distemper. As I stated above, I don't bother titers for rabies because NH will not accept any letters from vets for exemptions, titers, etc. They want
the vaccine.

Fortunately, I have a very cautious holistic vet.

Also, I use nosodes for kennel cough. And the kennel that I use also will accept titers, and the use of nosodes. Although, I have always had a vet's letter to accompany anything I have use outside of the "normal?" allopathic regimen.

 

[diesel]

Too bad people don't put this much thought into not vaccinating there own kids!