Hemopet’s Hemolife Diagnostics is world renowned for its titer testing. What differentiates Hemopet is that the results of each sample are reviewed and reported by the Hemolife staff on our unique Cloud-Based computer technology Laboratory Information System (LIS). They are then personally reviewed and interpreted by Dr. Jean Dodds and two trained veterinary colleagues, Drs. Andrew Zuckerman and Gary Richter. Based on pet’s species, age and species, Hemopet will will provide you with suggestions if the pet should receive a booster shot.   

  • Dogs / Canine
  • Canine Distemper virus (CDV)
  • Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
  • Rabies (sent to KSU)
  • Other titers can be ordered upon request such as Adenovirus-2, Leptospirosis, Lyme and Bordetella
  • Cats / Feline
  • Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
  • Other titers for the upper respiratory viruses of cats are available upon request such as Feline Herpes, Calicivirus and Rabies
  • Horses / Equine
  • Equine Influenza (A1, A2, AK, KY strains)
  • Equine Herpes
  • Equine encephalitis (EEE, WEE, VEE strains)
  • West Nile Virus
  • Rabies
  • Other titers are available upon request such as Potomac Horse Fever, Equine Arteritis

Note about Canine Titer Testing
Dr. Jean Dodds suggests that dogs should be titer tested for distemper and parvovirus every three years to ensure immunity is maintained against these viruses. If a dog had been recently vaccinated with the DPV (distemper, parvovirus vaccine) shot, she suggests waiting three weeks to perform the test. Puppies, too, should be measured at least three weeks after the last vaccination and not before 16 weeks of age.   

VACCINES & TITER OPTIONS

Which ones and when to give?
  • Only ~40% of veterinarians follow the current WSAVA, AVMA, AAHA, CVMA vaccine guidelines
  • They can offer separated vaccine components, rather than give them all together, since the published data show more adverse reactions when multiple vaccines are given
  • Rabies vaccine is often given with other boosters for convenience, when this is ill advised, as Killed, inactivated vaccines like rabies make up 15% of veterinary biologicals used, but 85% of the post-vaccination reactions. Use only thimerosal (mercury) – free rabies vaccines
  • There is no such thing as an ‘up to date’ or ‘due’ vaccination
  • The immune system mounts a faster more powerful anamnestic response when encountering the same antigen again – e.g. with viral exposures and vaccines
  • The immune system capacity for memory generates immunity through vaccines, but can also trigger adverse events like autoimmune disorders and allergies/hypersensitivity
  • Vaccination may not equate to immunization
  • But, vaccinated and truly immunized animals should be fully protected from disease; Immune memory cell immunity should persist life long
  • Giving boosters to immunized animals is unwise, as it introduces unnecessary antigen, adjuvant and preservatives
  • AAHA 2003 – Current knowledge supports the statement that “No vaccine is always safe, no vaccine is always protective and no vaccine is always indicated”
  • Vaccine non-responders = genetic trait; do not breed them
  • Heavy metal exposure from vaccines is an emerging concern for humans, pets and livestock
  • Half-dose CDV + CPV vaccines in small adult dogs sustained protective serum antibody titers
  • Other vaccines including hepatitis are optional, depending on lifestyle and local disease risk
  • Three or more days after the last round of puppy vaccines, pups can be out and about to be socialized. Between 10-14 weeks of age, socialization can take place in the back yard or at puppy training classes with known friends and healthy dogs
  • Kennel cough vaccines not 100% effective; are they needed?
  • Oral/Intranasal Bordetella releases interferon, which inhibits respiratory viruses (adenovirus-2, (parainfluenza, influenza) and hepatitis; the injectable version does not cross-protect
  • Canine Influenza produces fever whereas kennel cough does not. Is the bivalent vaccine needed, when only mild clinical signs usually arise?
  • Avoid Vaccination
    • Period just before estrus (30 days)
    • During estrus
    • Pregnancy
    • Lactation
  • No evidence that annual boosters are necessary; need to lengthen the interval to every 3 yrs
  • Geriatric animals vaccinated only with caution
  • Monitor serum antibody titers instead every 3 years for immunized pets. 
  • Any measurable antibody level indicates protection 



To Read on Hemopet, Follow the Link:   

https://www.hemopet.org/hemolife-diagnostics/titer-testing/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=awareness_aug_9_2019&utm_content=brand_hemopet