Canine Vaccine Titers
Canine Vaccines: Titers 
A blood test called a titer is available to check
protection against selected diseases. It tests for the level of
circulating antibody in the bloodstream against that disease. Our lab
sends their titer tests to Colorado State University, and about two
weeks later we get the results that tells us if your pet's level
indicates good or poor protection. Based on those results we can make
vaccine and titer recommendations for the future. A high titer level
does not guarantee protection, but is highly suggestive.
Titers make it possible to avoid repeating vaccines more than is
necessary for your pet's protection. Any vaccine can cause an adverse
reaction, either acute (e.g. vomiting, anaphylactic shock) or chronic
(e.g. immune-mediated disease). It is ideal, therefore, to limit the
frequency of vaccination when possible. Titers may be done for adult
animals to see if they need a booster that year, and even juvenile
animals to see if their puppy vaccines were effective (typically at the
time of spay or neuter).
Titer tests are available for the following canine diseases:
Distemper: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) can cause
lethargy, fever, and many symptoms related to the respiratory,
gastrointestinal, and nervous systems; any body tissue may be
affected. CDV can be fatal. Infection occurs by exposure of the air
passages to airborne CDV particles.
Parvovirus: Canine Parvovirus (CPV) can cause
inappetance, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss; dehydration is also a
serious concern. CPV can be rapidly fatal. Infection occurs by oral
exposure to infected feces, and CPV can live in the environment for
extended periods.
Many boarding, training, grooming, and day-care facilities now accept
titers for CDV and CPV in lieu of annual vaccination. When planning
for boarding, please set your titer appointment date at least three
weeks ahead of the boarding date. This will allow enough time for
results to come back and, if necessary, to give a booster vaccine with
enough time for the immune system to mount a protective response prior
to boarding.
A titer test is available for Rabies virus, but is only used to travel
to certain states and countries. It is not accepted in lieu of
vaccination by the state of Oregon.