The routine administration of vaccinations to pets has been one of the most significant factors in the reduction of serious dog and cat infectious diseases in New Zealand. This approach has resulted in excellent disease control for infections that were once considered important causes of sickness and death.
Although all veterinarians agree vaccines are necessary, the frequency in which they’re given is now debated. One of the key issues central to the ongoing revaccination debate is duration of immunity, a term used to define how long a vaccine will typically protect an animal for. Research has determined that a large majority of dogs and cats that receive a complete initial course of core-vaccine and a first booster at around one year of age will be conferred with protective immunity for a substantial period, potentially years. However, variations in the response to vaccines are known to occur, and some animals may have low or no protection following vaccination.
Research has supported the use of blood vaccination titre-testing as a component in the individual health assessment of a pet.
Titre-testing explained
A titre-test measures the levels of protective antibodies circulating in the blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (for example, a virus or bacteria, either from disease or a vaccine) provokes a protective response from the immune system.
Applications for titre-testing
Titre-tests for puppies and kittens
Using titre-testing to check for an effective immune response following the completion of the first series of vaccinations is an important use of the titre-test. Not all individuals respond to vaccination, either because maternal antibodies (transferred via the milk during feeding) have interfered with the pet developing its own antibodies, or because the pet is a ‘non-reactor’ and is unable to acquire immunity when vaccinated. A titre-test, performed approximately 2-4 weeks after the final vaccination, can provide a clear indication whether immunisation was successful. If the test is negative, the pet should be revaccinated, perhaps with an alternative vaccine type. Testing should then be repeated to see if further vaccination is required. Titre-testing is the only way to ensure that a puppy or kitten has developed an effective immune response following the vaccination course.
Titre-tests as an alternative to vaccination
Some researchers believe that testing for antibody status using a titre-test is better practice than simply administering a vaccine booster. Those animals which return a negative titre-test result would be considered in need of revaccination while those that produce a positive titre-test result would not.
Some pet owners prefer annual titre-testing when their pets visit the vet for their yearly check-up, rather than giving boosters that may or may not be required.
Titre-tests to determine the vaccination status of pets with unknown vaccination history
It is possible to titre-test a pet of unknown vaccination history, because if they have circulating antibodies, they do not need to be vaccinated. This can help rescue groups, pet shelters, and owners adopting stray or rescued animals avoid giving unnecessary vaccinations.
Unsuitablity for vaccination
Testing will be an invaluable tool for pets that have had adverse reactions to vaccination in the past or are unwell in some way that makes vaccination a possible risk – a positive titre-test can provide reassurance for the owner that vaccination is not necessary, and that the pet is protected against infection.
Titre-testing is available at Totally Vets in dogs for parvovirus, canine hepatitis and distemper viruses; and cats for panleukopaenia, feline herpes virus and feline calici viruses. In time, we believe that it will become a routine part of pet care, ensuring that all pets have responded effectively to their first series of vaccinations.
Please note that vaccination testing does not replace the need for your pet to receive a thorough examination at least once a year. Annual health checks are critically important for detecting, preventing, and treating any diseases or other ailments as early as possible.
