Do you want additional reading material on titer testing?

Also, I agree with this earlier post:

"Your dog. Your decision. It was worth it to me to find a vet that used a 3 year schedule as his standard schedule. To me it represents that the vet follows current research and guidelines. A vet who still insists on annual vaccination has either examined and then discarded 30 years of research or simply doesn't care and has other priorities for their practice. "




"In 2003, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) revised its vaccination guidelines, recommending that vets vaccinate adult dogs only every three years – not annually. Many enlightened veterinarians changed their canine healthcare protocols to reflect the guidelines, and now suggest annual wellness examinations with vaccinations only every three years."

That was ten years ago that this revision was made. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_8/features/Annual-Pet-Vaccinations_20036-1.html


http://pets.webmd.com/pet-vaccines-schedules-cats-dogs

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8572826/ns/health-pet_health/t/still-vaccinating-your-pet-every-year/#.Ubt9EBxa4zA


" I certainly could not counter his arguments regarding the limited benefits of doing a titer (how do we know a titer that is good today will be good next month? How do we know that the amount of antibodies revealed in the titer meet the threshold for disease protection?) "

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2008/10/22/titer-test/
(About a weak titer following a strong one)

"Dr. Ron Schultz, one of the most renowned pet vaccination experts in the country, believes that once a test yields strong titers, you need not test again."

Here are some of Dr. Schultz's creds:
http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/people/ronald%20d%20schultz/

I posted in a hurry, but please post back if there was anything unanswered. I'll happily post links later with answers (or with opinions of authoritative sources).

Your dog. Your decision.

If the vet majored in immunology and still recommends annual vaccination he must have slept through most of his classes.

With a possibly unprotected pup I can't blame you for caving this time. I personally would have walked out after discovering that I was LIED to about the availability of single disease vaccines.

If you're uncomfortable arguing with a vet find one you don't have to argue with. I drive 45 minutes to see a vet who is comfortable with minimal vaccination and is very willing to work with an educated owner. He didn't "talk down" to me at all and was willing to suggest trying a home treatment protocol for a problem most vets would have just ordered surgery for. He was also educated on the Boxer's breed specific issues(skin cancer, bloat).

What I do is I call around and say that. "I'm looking for a vet who is comfortable with a minimal vaccination protocol and what intervals do you recommend most vaccines be given at". If I get the one year response I then ask, "Would you be comfortable with a 3 year interval?". Some places give them annually because they think people won't come in otherwise but are happy to go to a 3 year schedule if the owner request it. Be aware that some places are part of a corporate money making machine and are trained to tell the pet owner whatever they want to hear to get them in the door.

I was hoping Connie would post with the reference articles. Got my wish pretty quick. She posted while I was still typing.

 Quote: Eric Eschmann

I certainly could not counter his arguments regarding the limited benefits of doing a titer (how do we know a titer that is good today will be good next month? How do we know that the amount of antibodies revealed in the titer meet the threshold for disease protection?)

You could use those same arguments against vaccination. I would not return to this vet no matter what you decide as far as vaccination goes.

I had to log back in and say "Don't discounts a vet just because he or she works for a VCA practice."

I understand the corporate-protocol thing, but it's not necessarily the case.

I'm one of three long-time regulars here (three who I know of) who have vets they like very much who are in a VCA practice.

I had to get that in.

My vet (who practices at a VCA practice) is my respected advisor, and we have a long-time partnership. I followed her to the VCA many years ago and I would follow her if she went out on her own (or to another partner).

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

Your dog. Your decision.

If the vet majored in immunology and still recommends annual vaccination he must have slept through most of his classes.

With a possibly unprotected pup I can't blame you for caving this time. I personally would have walked out after discovering that I was LIED to about the availability of single disease vaccines.

If you're uncomfortable arguing with a vet find one you don't have to argue with. I drive 45 minutes to see a vet who is comfortable with minimal vaccination and is very willing to work with an educated owner. He didn't "talk down" to me at all and was willing to suggest trying a home treatment protocol for a problem most vets would have just ordered surgery for. He was also educated on the Boxer's breed specific issues(skin cancer, bloat).

What I do is I call around and say that. "I'm looking for a vet who is comfortable with a minimal vaccination protocol and what intervals do you recommend most vaccines be given at". If I get the one year response I then ask, "Would you be comfortable with a 3 year interval?". Some places give them annually because they think people won't come in otherwise but are happy to go to a 3 year schedule if the owner request it. Be aware that some places are part of a corporate money making machine and are trained to tell the pet owner whatever they want to hear to get them in the door. I'd avoid the VCA chain for that reason.

+1

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I had to log back in and say "Don't discounts a vet just because he or she works for a VCA practice."

I edited it after thinking about it. I have three near me and all of them are known for running up the bill as much as they can. I shouldn't try and say all 500 of them are bad because of 3.

Your vet should be a partner in your pet's healthcare, not an adversary. Regardless of whether it's vaccines, allergies, or feeding--if you and the vet aren't on the same page, then find one who is.

Over-vaccination and annual "boosters" are not matters of opinion. The science on this is settled.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I posted in a hurry, but please post back if there was anything unanswered. I'll happily post links later with answers (or with opinions of authoritative sources).

Thank you ladies for your input. Although the vet (not calling him "my" vet because it was somewhat out of convenience I used him. He was coming for the horses; let's kill 2 birds with one stone. What can go wrong with having him bring 2 vaccines and administering the shots ) I will give the benefit of the doubt to his having the best interest of the animals rather than his wallet in mind, I think ignorance through a lack of continuing education or blindly following a tradition of standard practice may come into play.

To the crux of the matter: In your opinions are these two dogs adequately vaccinated as is for the next 3 years against Parvo and Distemper? Can the recommended booster shoot in 3 weeks be disregarded without compromising their immunity?

I think I already know the answers, but I appreciate reading succinct answers as if these were your own dogs.

Thank you.