Howdy Friends! I was asked recently about “testing for titers.” The best way to explain the truth about it for me, was to go back through my notes from interviews I’d done with immunologists and veterinarians. The very best, and most concise explanation comes from an interview I had with Dr. Coger at Cornell in March of 2018. This is an easy to understand explanation from a respected professional. Hope this helps.

“Aside from producing antibodies in response to vaccination, the immune system produces memory cells. These long-lived cells retain the information needed by the body to manufacture antibodies.

“Unfortunately, we have no way to measure them, but we know they are produced if antibodies are produced.  And this is the key point you need to remember about titers – if a dog, or a horse has titered at a protective level, he has been proven to be immunocompetent. His immune system is working properly, responding to the vaccine that was given, producing antibodies and memory cells.

“When you have proven that the horse or dog’s immune system is competent, and has responded correctly to the vaccine given, YOU ARE DONE. There is no scientific need to re-titer. Most titers do not change significantly in less than 3 years. And, since memory cells persist for life, the normal horse and dog’s immune system will be able to produce more antibodies in the face of disease exposure.

“Repeating titers yearly is a waste of money. Repeating titers every three years is not necessary. Re-vaccinating a horse or dog who has previously titered as protected, but now tests below the minimum is unnecessary … Yes, you do NOT need to vaccinate a horse or dog if his titer falls from the protected to the low range – because he still has memory cells! Should he be exposed to the virus, his immune system will begin to make antibodies with the information encoded in the memory cells.” Dr. Coger DVM degree from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

I hope this helps. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.

testing for titers in horses & dogs

.

.