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Sounds Like Nonsense's avatar

TITERS

Dr Richard Ford Antibody Titers vs vaccination

Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS Emeritus is a Professor of Medicine Diplomate ACVIM and ACVPM (Hon) from the North Carolina State University. He serves on both the AAHA Canine Vaccination Task Force and AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel.

Professor Ford has written an article on In House Titer Testing and the benefits they provide for the pet as part of the Canine and Feline protocol.

A negative test result indicates the patient does not have protective levels of circulating antibody. HOWEVER, a negative test result does NOT necessarily define susceptibility.

Among Previously vaccinated animals, IMMUNE MEMORY (B-Lymphocytes) can be sustained for many years DESPITE declining antibody levels; exposure to a pathogenic virus (eg, distemper or parvovirus) can result in a RAPID and protective ANAMNESTIC RESPONSE.

INTERPRETATION OF ANTIBODY TEST RESULTS - The following interpretations apply to antibody test results for CAV-1*, CDV, CPV, and FPV, reported by a reputable diagnostic laboratory or obtained from an in-clinic test kit:

A NEGATIVE ANTIBODY TEST result in a Previously vaccinated dog or cat must be interpreted on the basis of age and prior vaccination history..

NEGATIVE test result in Protected Patient: Over time, antibody levels in a previously vaccinated adult dog or cat that is not revaccinated, or naturally exposed May FALL to NEGATIVE LEVELS.

MEMORY CELLS (B-lymphocytes), HOWEVER, can persist longer than antibody. Exposure to virulent virus is expected to rapidly boost the patient’s antibody response and PROTECT.

https://www.vaccicheck.nl/sites/default/files/documents/gepubliceerde-artikelen/dr._richard_ford_antibody_titers_vs_vaccination.pdf

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Debra's avatar

Great info. Thank you.

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KellyG's avatar

Thank you!

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Sounds Like Nonsense's avatar

After a pup has seroconverted its immune for life. Titer can be negative but dog is immune antibodies are not immunity.

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KellyG's avatar

I assume their immune fighting ability might be enhanced then, though not giving them overall immunity prevention.

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Sounds Like Nonsense's avatar

I don’t know what your saying but once a pup is immune through natural exposure or jab, that’s it they are immune.

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KellyG's avatar

I was referring to this, so was trying to understand and maybe stated wrong.

"but dog is immune antibodies are not immunity."

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Sounds Like Nonsense's avatar

If dog hasn’t been exposed to the pathogen for a while ie parvo in environment or shed MLV virus in urine/poo from over vaccinated dogs the titer can be negative. Like us they don’t always keep antibodies circulating if not needed, if not fighting at the time. They have cellular immunity. To raise titer get dog exposed to the pathogen.

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KellyG's avatar

Ok now I understand, when not fighting anything the antibodies could be lower. I believe this was being discussed in Red Blood cell counts in humans also recently.

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