In the Wise Woof vaccination series you have seen the term “titer test” used quite often. Many people are unaware of what a titer test is and does. Prior to my research, even as a lifelong dog owner myself, I was in the same boat. A titer test, also known as, “ELISA kits or lateral flow assays,” determines the level of antibodies present in a dog against certain vaccinated diseases. Titer tests can help determine if revaccination is necessary, with or without medical records and if a dog is non-responsive to a specific vaccine. Doing this test lowers the chances of over-vaccination, and helps avoid long term over-vaccination symptoms. This article will outline the factors of what a titer test is, why it’s important, and the answers we get from it.
As mentioned, titer tests determine the level of protection a dog has against a particular vaccinated disease. Level of protection means the particular concentration of antibodies necessary to fight off the disease when exposed and prevent infection. For each disease there are different levels of immunity necessary, which have been determined through research, as adequate for a dog’s immune system to prevent infection and illness. Titer tests are commonly used during revaccination to determine the level of immunity currently present, and whether vaccination failure occurred or if the dog is immuno-compromised. Dogs that have been vaccinated in the past, that show little to no immunity on a titer test, are known as non-responders However, there are certain factors that should be ruled out prior to labeling a dog as a non-responder.
Reasons why a dog may not take immunity from a vaccine are cases of maternal neutralizing, unknown/recent disease exposures, and improper vaccine handling. If a dog is still showing low signs of immunity even after ruling out maternal neutralizing? We have to consider other reasons for vaccination failures.
Improper handling pertains to how the vaccine is made, shipped, stored and administered. While improper handling rarely happens and is nearly impossible to trace, consider if other factors for vaccine failure have been ruled out. Further, some dogs can become sick without the owner determining exactly what illness it was; sometimes that unknown illness is one we vaccinate against. If a dog is given a vaccine while maternal antibodies are sufficiently active they will remain dominant and negate the treatment. Only when maternal antibodies have subsided below a certain level will a vaccine activate a pup’s immune system for the long-haul.
Another potential reason for vaccination failure is compromising immune/lineage conditions. Some conditions that lead to vaccination failure can be breed related. Throughout the years it has been noticed that some breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases or auto-immune disorders. For example, throughout the years data has shown, “A small but disproportionate number of Rottweiler puppies have reportedly developed parvovirus enteritis despite proper vaccination,” stated Ernest Ward, DMV.
The last possibility of vaccination failure can come from compromising immune condition can be due to an immunodeficiency, or immunosuppression. When an immune system does not perform normally it cannot react properly to a vaccine creating an insufficient level of antibodies. Dogs receiving cancer treatments, high-level steroids, or fighting a viral illness at the time of administration can weaken the immune system’s response, weakening their overall protection.
Currently there are only titer tests available for core vaccines such as Parvo, Distemper and Adrenovis. Since core vaccines are sometimes given in a combination shot, it’s beneficial to see if revaccination is necessary for all diseases included. If you find your pup still has lasting immunity to some diseases in a combination shot, you can ask for isolated versions of the ones needing a boost of immunity. Components within vaccines vary, but are typically formed by the same “recipe”. To learn more about exactly what’s in canine vaccines read our article here (TAG).
Rabies, and other non-core vaccines are currently lacking enough research to develop a test that determine adequate levels of protection. Until recently, It is quite surprising that rabies did not have a titer test as it is the only required vaccine for domestic animals in the United States. [For anyone having confusion: core vaccines are recommended to fight the most common/fatal viruses faced by the canine species. While sparse, current research is being performed to determine accurate levels of protection for rabies. If you’d like a rabies titer test they can be obtained at Penn St. and UC Davis Veterinary Schools. The only places we’re aware of their presence. One study on rabies immunity levels has already been published and reviewed by Wise Woofs. The article which indicates the vaccination is effective for five years or more [X] can be found here (TAG). In conjunction with over-vaccination risks, it highlights the dire need for more research in this area to provide legislators with irrefutable data and pressure them to implement responsible policy changes. Titer tests also benefit rescues by providing a method to determine past medical treatments and pre-existing immunity.
The other catch with titers is there haven’t been enough official studies done to determine the appropriate concentration of antibodies in the blood to prevent disease if exposed. So we’re unable to provide specific guidance in that realm. Ultimately vaccines are a risk/reward decision. We think when used with other practical knowledge titers are an amazing tool that can help keep our pets healthier.
