Titre testing

Titre testing for parvovirus explained

There is no doubt that the vaccination of our dogs has markedly improved their health and welfare leading to prolonged lifespans.  Parvovirus infection is a serious, highly infectious viral disease of dogs.  Vaccination is effective at preventing infection and vaccination programs have been developed to thoroughly protect dogs.  

 

Current vaccine program

Our current core vaccine program involves 3-4 puppy vaccinations with the last one at or after 16 weeks of age.  The next vaccination is traditionally at 1 year of age, and this one is important for those puppies that may not have properly responded to the initial course of puppy vaccines and therefore be left vulnerable to parvo.  We then vaccinate 3 yearly for parvovirus ongoing throughout the dogs life.  Canine cough and lepto vaccines still need to be given annually as they work in a different way.

This vaccine program is the best option to ensure our dogs are adequately protected from parvo virus infection without any information on the dogs individual immunity level.    In some dogs the vaccine at 16 weeks can provide protection for 3 years, however for a small percentage this vaccine hasn’t been effective at all. Some black and tan breeds have been ‘poor responders’ in the past and have failed to develop an immune response at all. Other dogs are protected for up to 7 years after the initial puppy course. 

The good news is now we have the ability to do a blood test to see if your dog is still protected by the previous vaccine, or whether it needs another.  The disadvantage is that this costs more and it’s cheaper to just vaccinate.  The World Small Animal Veterinary Association states that  it is better practice to test for antibody status ( for either puppies or adult dogs) than simply administering a vaccine booster on the basis that this is safe and costs less.

How reliable is the test?

The titre test only looks at the protective antibody levels of one disease of our combined core vaccine- parvovirus.  It doesn’t look at the other elements of this vaccine such as distemper, adenovirus and parainfluenza.  We are making an assumption that if the antibody levels for parvovirus are ok, so will distemper and adenovirus. Parainfluenza doesn't have good long term immunity so this still has to be given annually, and is also included in the canine cough vaccine.

According to studies the test is 99.9% sensitive ( true positive rate)  and 94% specific (true negative rate).   The test is not perfect but no test gives 100% accurate results, and this needs to be taken into account with your decision making, however its pretty good.  A false positive could mean your dog doesn't get a vaccine when he needs one, and a false negative would mean your pet gets vaccinated when it doesnt need one.

 

When could I consider titre testing for Parvo instead of vaccinating?

1)    20 week old puppy - if the titre is good, will not need another parvo vaccine or titre test for 3 years. This will also pick up poor responders that need another vaccine now (black and tans historically but can be any breed)

2)    Vaccination due for an adult dog- if the titre is good, you only need to vaccinate for canine cough +/- lepto, and recheck your parvo titre in 3 years, or annually for a dog over 10 yrs of age.

3)    Vaccination due for immunocompromised animal- (on chemo, or immune modulating drugs or immune based disorder, chronic skin disease) -  if the titre is good, you only need to vaccinate for canine cough +/- lepto, and recheck your parvo titre in 3 years, or annually for a dog over 10 yrs of age.

What does a titre test involve?

If your pet is due for a vaccine and health check you can ask for a titre test in the same appointment.  At the beginning of the appointment a small amount of blood is taken and the test started.  The results take 10 minutes so while waiting your vet will complete a nose to tail health check and discuss any other concerns. 

If the titre test shows adequate protection - the vet will put a sticker in your vaccine book stating the titre is good and when the next test is recommended for parvo, and vaccinate for canine cough +/- leptospirosis. .

If the titre test shows inadequate protection- the vet will vaccinate with the core vaccines and canine cough +/- leptospirosis