Over Vaccinating or the Titer test
Every year we go to the veterinary surgeon taking our faithful hound with us and happily announce that our much-adored pet is due their annual vaccination booster. This is administered and we return home secure in the knowledge that we have done something wonderful for our best friend. And why not? We have protected our canines against dreadful diseases that can be debilitating and fatal.
The most common being:
1. Parvovirus (Parvo)
A highly contagious, viral illness potentially fatal. It is spread by contaminated faeces and particularly by contact with contaminated surfaces, people can carry it on their hands and clothing, and dogs carry it on their paws and fur. Parvovirus is species-specific so Parvo in dogs cannot be transferred to humans and canines cannot catch Parvo from humans.
2. Distemper
A serious disease, affecting many of the dog’s vital organs and the brain. It is transmitted both by direct contact and it is airborne. Again potentially fatal. A virus that damages the liver and kidneys.
3. Infectious Hepatitis
A contagious disease caught from contact with an infected animal or touching something previously touched by an infected animal.
4. Leptospirosis (Lepto)
An infectious, bacterial disease that again attacks the liver and kidneys. It is generally associated with water and rats. It is more prevalent in warm, wet climates and those that have a rainy season.
5. Rabies
A deadly viral disease mainly in Asia and Africa causes thousands of deaths every year. Can only be transmitted by the transfer of body fluids, ie a bite.
6. Kennel cough ( Bordetella Bronchiseptica)
Associated with dogs when in kennels, highly contagious, generally non-fatal but very distressing for your dog.
Considering your options
Before we go any further this is for your information only and I am NOT recommending that you stop vaccinating. Only that you consider your options and what is best for your pet..
Let’s start with 1-4. There are three schools of thought here.
- It is best to get everybody to bring their dog every year for a booster vaccination because this ensures that all dogs are protected in one dose ensuring that nothing is missed. The main beneficiaries of this system of course are the companies that supply the drugs and to some extent the veterinary surgeon.
- It is better to only vaccinate for Distemper, Parvovirus and Infectious Hepatitis every 3 years and Leptospirosis every year This requires the cooperation of your veterinary surgeon and shows that they are conversant with modern thinking.
- That some vaccines protect for life and any boosters are totally unnecessary. There is evidence that some vaccines can sometimes last a dog’s lifetime and this can be proved by the use of the Titer test. This is a fairly new concept and works on the principle that the level of protection the dog has against any potential diseases can be measured by the presence and the number of antibodies in the blood. The idea is that your veterinary surgeon administers the test which indicates whether the vaccination booster is required or not.
As for kennel cough, whilst very unpleasant for dogs and distressing for owners this generally is not fatal but is a requirement for putting your dog in kennels.
Rabies is a hideous disease and cannot; should not be underestimated. Without a shadow of a doubt, vaccinations are a requisite for foreign travel and will quite rightly remain so until we have eradicated it. Just because those of us who do not live in countries where this disease is commonplace we should be aware of the dangers and in case anybody is in doubt……
It causes approximately 59,000 deaths each year, 40% of which are children under the age of 15. It is on all the world’s continents with one exemption. The Antarctic is the only rabies-free continent. It is particularly prevalent in Asia and Africa. As of 2016 only14 people have survived after showing symptoms. Once caught and symptoms start to show it is considered almost 100% fatal.
When it comes to the Titer test it appears to show the antibody level in the bloodstream and whilst this is considered a fairly accurate indicator of the presence of antibodies, critics argue that it does not indicate how long those results would be valid. In other words, they may show a high level of immunity today but what about next week or next month? Personally, I am not qualified to pass judgement and cannot offer an opinion.
Titer tests are not available everywhere but without doubt, we have arrived at a time where if we are vaccinating against everything annually the consequence is that we are overdoing it. To make matters worse this could be damaging to the health of our pets and also damaging to our wallets!
In conclusion, this is a very personal matter and I urge all pet owners to be aware of the advances in veterinary medicine, to research this subject carefully and make informed decisions.
“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”
Johnny Depp