Titer Testing and Vaccination for Your Pets

Have you ever pondered how often you should vaccinate your pets? Titer testing is a great way to determine when your pet should be vaccinated and for what. Titer testing is a relatively new method that involves taking blood samples from the animals and checking it for the presence of antibodies. Since antibodies are correlated to immunity, the presence of certain antibodies helps the veterinarian to decide the kind of vaccination that is required.

Do Titers Prove Immunity?

A titer is a laboratory test that measures the presence and quantity of antibodies in the blood. A titer may be used to demonstrate immunity to a disease. A blood sample shall be taken and tested. If the test is positive (above a certain known value) the individual has immunity.

How Often Should You Titer Your Pet?

After a series of pet vaccinations, you can test the pet again in a year. If the pet is immune, it is not necessary to repeat the test more often than every 3 years or more.

How Much Does A Titers Test Cost?

As with any medical test, out-of-pocket costs for a titer test may vary depending on your insurance plan. Without insurance, titer test will only run you around $50-$100 in addition to your normal visit cost.

What Is A Normal Titer Level?

Low titers range from 1:40 to 1:60. A positive ANA test is much more important if you also have antibodies to the double-stranded form of DNA.

How Long Is A Titer Test Good For?

A three-year interval is appropriate for most adult dogs and cats when quantitative tests are used. Manufacturers of in-clinical screening tests recommend that they be used annually. The titer test is appropriate for the young in the first 6 months of life and again in one year.

Are Titer Tests Accurate?

Titers may not be completely accurate as the titer test is based on the level of antibodies in of the patients who were naturally exposed to diseases.

How Do Titers Work?

Antibody titer is a test that detects the presence and measures the amount of antibodies in the blood of a pet. The amount and diversity of antibodies correspond to the strength of the body’s immune response.

Should I Get My Titers Checked?

Testing titers can help you avoid unnecessary vaccines, save money, and eliminate the need for booster shots. It can also help identify any infections or similar problems you may have. Be sure to check with your pet’s healthcare provider whether or not the titer test is for them.