Titer vs. vaccinations?

Transcription

1 Titer vs. vaccinations? We would like to share some more information regarding titers and vaccinations. A vaccination is the administration of antigenic material to stimulate an immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen. Vaccines can prevent or ameliorate morbidity from infection. According to the veterinary medical experts contributing to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) distemper, parvo, hepatitis and rabies are infectious diseases that pets should be vaccinated for. The rabies vaccine is required to be administered by law due to the significant risk to humans. Before administering any vaccinations Dr. Neumeister will do a wellness exam on your pet, because vaccinations should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Each animal s risk factors are unique, based on his age, genetic inheritance, current health, geographic location, and lifestyle. If a client prefers to vaccinate their pet as minimally as necessary to protect them from disease a yearly titer test can be done. A titer or titering, is the act of submitting a blood sample to determine if an animal has enough antibodies to overcome an attack of a particular virus if exposed to it. Theoretically, with the help of yearly titers, a pet would not need to be vaccinated as long as the antibody levels are demonstrably high, year after year. If your reason for considering titers is only based on saving money, you should be aware that running the titer is two to three times more expensive than the vaccinations. Titers can not entirely replace vaccines. They also do NOT denote protection against a given disease, because it measures antibodies, not cell-mediated immunity, which is the real-world measure of protection. It s still every individual pet owner s decision to make, but owners should not get a false sense of security based on lab results reporting that antibody levels suggest protection is likely It all comes down to this: the core vaccines are an important and life-saving component of responsible dog care when administered properly neither too frequently nor inadequately. Sources:

2 html?pg=2 What do those lab tests mean? ALB (Albumin) Low levels of this protein can be an indication of chronic liver or kidney disease or of an parasitic infection. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) These are found in liver, bone, kidney and intestines. High levels of this enzyme may indicate organ disease. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) Increased levels of this enzyme can be a sign of liver disease. AMY (Amylase) Elevated blood levels may indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease. TBIL (Total Bilirubin) Bilirubin, a component of bile, is secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. Blood bilirubin levels are helpful in evaluating liver disease and certain anemias. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Testing for it helps detect liver and kidney abnormalities. CA++, NA+ and K+ (electrolytes) Identifying imbalances is important in the evaluation of various illnesses. PHOS (Phosphorus) Elevated levels may indicate kidney disease. CRE (Creatinine) Elevated levels of creatinine can indicate kidney disease or urinary obstruction. GLU (Glucose) High blood glucose may indicate diabetes or stress. Low levels may be signs of liver disease. TP (Total Protein) Total Protein helps with the diagnosis of many conditions including liver, kidney and gastrointestinal disease. GLOB (Globulin) These liver proteins are found in the blood and give a good indication about liver function. T4 (Thyroid Test) T4 fluctuation may indicate thyroid disease or secondary

3 liver, kidney or metabolic abnormalities. CHOL (Cholesterol) Elevated levels of cholesterol can be an indication of a variety of disorders including hypothyroidism, liver and kidney disease. CBC (Complete Blood Count) is a hematology test that provides measurements of red blood cells (carry oxygen to the tissues f the body ad remove carbon dioxide to be exhaled from the lungs), white blood cells (play an important role in fighting infection) and platelets (play a vital role in blood clotting). The CBC is an important tool that can indicate anemia, leukemia, stress, inflammation, infection and blood clotting capabilities. Fractures Before: A blue Heeler fractured his leg after being hit by car. Radiographs reveal both radius and ulna (the 2 long bones) of the left front leg with comminution (crushing/grinding) of the distal (outer) 1/3 diaphysis (main or midsection of a long bone).

4 After: The small bone pieces were removed, crushed further and reinserted at the fracture site to serve as graf material or as a source of germinal bone cells. The ulna was shortened by 1 cm to allow compression at fracture site. A plate with 7 holes/screws was applied. After laser therapy a bandage/splint was applied. The dog will receive pain relief medication, as well as antibiotics. The bandage will need to be changed every 7 to 14 days and after 6 weeks radiographs will need to be taken to see how the bones are healing.

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