Over the last decade there has been much debate in the animal care community over vaccination schedules and protocols for dogs and cats. There is concern that over-vaccinating an animal may result in health problems due to an over-stimulated immune system. This could lead to diseases including allergies, cancer and other immune mediated diseases. Scientific studies now show that most core vaccinations last longer than one year. Because of this, many veterinarians are adjusting vaccination protocols for their patients.

When determining what vaccine protocol to use on a dog or cat, several things need to be considered:

• Age of the animal (young, middle aged, or geriatric)

• Medical history and presence of disease

• Potential exposure

• Prior vaccination history

• Antibody titers

Vaccine titers are blood tests that quantify the antibodies to a particular pathogen for which we are vaccinating against—such as parvovirus or distemper virus. This information helps determine an animals immune response should he or she become exposed to this pathogen, and help to determine weather or not revaccination is necessary.

Canine Titers Include:

• Parvo Virus

• Adenovirus

• Corona virus

• Bordatella

Feline Titers Include:

• Panleukopenia virus

• Calici Virus

• Herpes virus

Vaccine titers are beneficial in that they may reduce the frequency of vaccination. They will also reduce the risk of allergies, infections, cancer and other immune mediated diseases. Titers will prevent the risk of an anaphylactic reaction associated with vaccinations, and reduce exposure to mercury found in some vaccines.  

At Animal Wellness Center each animal’s vaccine protocol is determined on an individual basis.