Titers

TITER FIRST!

WHAT IS TITER TESTING?
Titers accurately assess protection to the so-called “core” diseases (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis in dogs, and panleukopenia in cats), enabling veterinarians to judge whether a booster vaccination is necessary. All animals can have serum antibody titers measured instead of receiving vaccine boosters. Vaccinations can be life saving or life threatening depending on how they are administered.

WHEN SHOULD I TITER MY DOG?
Antibody titers may be determined as early as two to four weeks following vaccination. “You should avoid vaccinating animals that are already protected, and titer testing can determine if adequate, effective immunity is present,” states Dr Ronald Schultz.

IS TITER TESTING SAFE?
Absolutely!

  • Did you know that vets are OVER-DOSING and OVER-VACCINATING our pets, causing unnecessary illnesses and untimely deaths?
  • Did your vet ever mention that a 7 lb dog, receives the same rabies vaccination dosage as a 125 dog?
  • Did you know the one and three year rabies vaccine is one and the same. In addition, the time frame labeling is completely arbitrary meant to mislead the consumer that protection expires. It does not correlate with immunity!
  • Does your vet offer you the option of Titer Testing, which checks the level of antibodies and indicates immunity. It’s medical malpractice to administer a rabies vaccine booster without first checking a rabies titer.

HOW CAN I GET TITER TESTING DONE?

Kansas State Verterinary Diagnostic Lab
Have your vet call Kansas State Diagnostic Lab at 785-532-4483 and set up an Account and receive a Diagnostic Account Number. With this number, they can go online to this web address, http://www.ksvdl.org.
Following the links:

  1. Admission forms
  2. Core Vaccine Titer – they can submit the client / pet information.
    Kansas State Diagnostic Lab will send a free UPS shipping label via e-mail and a submission form to your veterinarian.

or..

University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
Have your vet contact UWSVM and visit their website at https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/lab/cavids/titer-testing-details for more information. Samples should be collected and handled through your veterinarian.

HOW IS THE TEST DONE?
Your vet should draw the blood in a red top serum separator tube and centrifuge for 10 minutes.  Appropriate shipping instructions will be provided for safe transport of the sample.  If you or your vet have any questions, contact Kansas State University and speak with their friendly customer service staff.

ARE TITERS AFFORDABLE?
Yes! Kansas State Diagnostic Lab will do a package of Titers for Parvovirus, Distemper Virus, Adenovirus, and Rabies Virus. Pricing will depend on your vet doing this online. Expect to pay a reasonable charge for a blood draw which can be done in combination with a wellness check or other visit. Work together and find a solution.

Finally, don’t let your veterinarian tell you they use Antech or IDexx for a charge of $200 to $500. These labs are middlemen and they forward the blood work to Kansas State anyway; yet the cost will be tripled by the time it gets to you.

RABIES LAW

Currently, the rabies vaccine is required by law for dogs and cats in the United States. While some states have adopted statewide laws regarding vaccinations for dogs and cats against rabies, others delegate that decision to local governments such as counties.

Additionally, the rabies vaccine is given in a one size fits all dose..in short, a 20# poodle receives the same size dose as a #175 Great Dane.

These laws need to be changed!

Many veterinarians and individuals are working with their state legislators to amend these laws. One such person is Florida resident and advocate, Barbara Donner, who has compiled comprehensive Supporting Documents to Amend the Florida’s Rabies Law that is being presented to Florida legislators. Read her information here.

Vaccination Resources