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Post by Brooke on Jan 23, 2004 20:54:33 GMT -5
Call me crazy but I've never heard of this till just this week. Since this is a place to learn...teach me. I figure it will help others anyway.
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Post by sibemom on Jan 23, 2004 21:03:52 GMT -5
Here we go my feeble attempt to explain titers. This is a blood test that checks for anti bodies example Titers are run for parvo and disstemper. If the levels show adaquate anti bodies then a booster is not needed and if you are going to a holistic/homeopathic vet they usualy give nosodes to keep the cell memory. In other words the nosode reminds the cells to protect against certain viruses. With all the disscusion about over vaccinating etc... this gives a person options. A vet can also give your dog an expemption from certain vaccines if the Titers tests are withing protection range. Rabies is still a touchy issue. Not only is it the law to give rabies shots and booster them but the titers for rabies is not proven yet. If anyone else can explain this better please do. If you want to learn more do a search on Titers testing in dogs and several links come up including Dr. Dodds.
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Post by Brooke on Jan 23, 2004 22:57:15 GMT -5
hmmmm very interesting....
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Post by Nicole on Jan 25, 2004 13:01:55 GMT -5
I do blood titers and the last set showed very high immunity levels. It is really probabilities though it is not a black and white line of immune, not immune. I do still give rabies since it is required by law. Here's an example. With distemper, a ratio of 1 to 16 indicates limited protection and 1 to 32 and higher indicates probable protection. The higher the titer, the higher probability of protection. My dogs results were 1 to 4096. That's high. But let's say it was only 1 to 60, then to me, it would be a gamble. The same with parvo. A ratio of 1 to 64 indicates probable protection and my results were 1 to 512. I was very comfortable not vaccinating. Titers are pricey though, about 6 times the cost of the vaccination if I recall correctly.
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Post by sibemom on Jan 25, 2004 13:14:44 GMT -5
You are right about them being pricey in some area's. The new vet I will be using only charges $48 for Pravo/Distemper together I thought that was a very good price. I too am still going to do the rabies because of the law even though I know alot of ways to get around it. To me I am not only protecting my dog but my family. So even though I am taking the natural approach this is one vaccine I will continue to use.
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Post by Nicole on Jan 25, 2004 15:06:32 GMT -5
Wow. That is an excellent price. I just looked at my bill and the parvo/distemper cost $150.00. My vet has to send the blood to an outside lab which may account for some of the increased cost. Does your vet do the test inhouse? If not I am going to ask why I am being charged so much.
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