Parvo in the SW?
I've heard from a few friends in the rescue groups that say they have a lot of dogs coming down with Parvo in the Albuquerque area. Now I've also heard it from a friend in So. Colorado. Had anyone ...
Forum Discussion
scarpi wrote:
Dogs can have issues with over vaccinations. Years ago we had our dog vaccinated and after that we have our vet at our dog's yearly checkup including the typical blood work, also check what is called the titer or level of protection for various diseases. To our vets surprise and ours, her titers have remained high meaning she is protected and she has not had the typical vaccines for years (other than the ones required for her license). Why give a vaccination yearly when your dog does not need it? Get a blood titer check for that disease and you will know if your dog needs a vaccination. I'll bet that once you get the vaccination, your dog won't need another one for the same issue for years.
There are some issues with titers... Cost being the major one. For the average pet-owner, it is cheaper to vaccinate vs. perform a titer. Not saying yearly vaccines are the correct route, just pointing out that not everyone can afford titers.
Also, I have not yet found a city/state/municipality that will accept a rabies titer as proof of immunity to rabies. There is still a legal requirement to vaccinate for rabies - heck, I even vaccinate my HORSES yearly for rabies for legal protection. Violate that law, and you might find yourself in a VERY expensive situation if it is determined that your pet has to be quarantined at a vet hospital, or worse, euthanized and necropsied. I've seen both situations happen... Until titers are legally accepted, I will continue to get yearly Rabies vaccines.
