Vaccination Titers; an alternative to yearly vaccination

A blood test has been developed for pets to measure the level of immunity that currently exists in the body after having received yearly vaccinations for the common diseases of distemper (both dog and cat), parvo and corona viruses in dogs and the leukemia virus of the cat.

This test has come about because of work done at Cornell University Veterinary School. Just as we humans receive vaccinations as infants and then again as young children, and then never again, so too it appears that this is becoming the case for our pet friends. 

The reason Dr Newkirk is concerned about this issue is the possibility that perhaps we are over-vaccinating our pets.  (You may have been reading about this on the internet) What effects this could have on their health is yet to be determined, however, think about this; we would not knowingly over-medicate a child or a pet as we would be concerned about possible side effects or toxicity.  Should we not then be concerned about the possibility of over-vaccination and possible side effects?

Dr. Newkirk acknowledges the fact that this work is still not widely accepted by the veterinary community, despite the work of Cornell Vet School, largely because of the need to "see more data".  Dr. Newkirk's experience confirms that almost 95% of the pets tested have come back showing protective titers.  If we humans only need vaccine when we're young, why wouldn’t it be the same for our pets? If pets have received vaccine for 4 or more years, we suggest your pet has a titer test.

There are, however, no tests for Lyme, Feline ImmunoVirus (FIV), or Feline Peritonitis.  So we should still keep vaccinating for these diseases, if there is risk of potential exposure.  Lyme disease is very common. Rabies vaccine is a legal issue and still must be done regardless.  (There is actually a test to determine rabies titers, but it is not "legally recognized" in most states, including NJ).

Other considerations are the extent of the pets' exposure to diseases, (such as whether or not the pet is going to shows and kennels, or is a hunting dog), and whether boarding facilities and groomers will accept a titer test as "proof" of protection.  Each of you must make a personal decision based on your circumstances.  However, Dr Newkirk feels the tests are valid, the data is good from Cornell, and the test is a simple blood test with results in 48 hours.  Each year then, instead of vaccine, a titer test would be done.  If the test comes back low, then the vaccine would be given.

We feel that this is a MUCH better way to manage your pets' health and yet keep him/her protected at the same time.